Meanings of 羊
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About 羊
Podcast: 羊
Podcast: 羊
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AI Study Notes for 羊
羊 (yáng) vs 羊肉 (yángròu) — use 羊 when referring to the animal itself, and 羊肉 specifically for the meat.
When using 羊, remember that it is often paired with classifiers like '头' (tóu) for livestock or '只' (zhī) for individual animals. A common mistake is using the wrong classifier; for example, saying '一只羊' instead of '一头羊' when referring to a sheep in a general sense. The tone is also crucial; ensure you pronounce it with the second tone to avoid confusion with other characters.
Though 羊 is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it is beneficial for beginners to learn as it relates to animals, a common topic. Focus on its usage in phrases and contexts involving livestock or culinary topics, and practice its pronunciation.
Learners often confuse the classifiers, saying '一只羊' instead of the correct '一头羊' when referring to sheep as livestock. Always check if you are addressing individual animals or groups to use the right classifier.
Pronunciation of 羊
Drill the tone of 羊 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 羊
Pictograph of the horns on a sheep.
A sheep's head with horns
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 羊
Pictograph of the horns on a sheep.
- 1The giveawayA sheep's head with horns
- 2On the record aspictographic — someone drew the thing itself.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 羊? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 羊?
Decomposition of 羊
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 羊?
How to say sheep in Chinese
“sheep” in Chinese is羊
羊 (yáng) primarily refers to 'sheep' or 'goat' in Mandarin. It is commonly used in agricultural contexts, as well as in discussions about food, culture, and symbolism, such as the zodiac sign for those born in the Year of the Sheep. Additionally, it can be a surname in Chinese culture.
When to use 羊
When using 羊, remember that it is often paired with classifiers like '头' (tóu) for livestock or '只' (zhī) for individual animals. A common mistake is using the wrong classifier; for example, saying '一只羊' instead of '一头羊' when referring to a sheep in a general sense. The tone is also crucial; ensure you pronounce it with the second tone to avoid confusion with other characters.
羊 or something close to it
羊 (yáng) vs 羊肉 (yángròu) — use 羊 when referring to the animal itself, and 羊肉 specifically for the meat.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse the classifiers, saying '一只羊' instead of the correct '一头羊' when referring to sheep as livestock. Always check if you are addressing individual animals or groups to use the right classifier.
Write 羊
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Practice writing 羊 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 羊
羊 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
牧场上有很多____在吃草。
There are many sheep grazing in the pasture.
Example Sentences for 羊 (18)
Word Family of 羊
Compound Meaning
What does 样 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 羊
羊 means 'sheep' or 'goat' and can also be a surname.
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