Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
牛niú(Niu2)
The character 牛 (niú) refers to 'ox,' 'cow,' or 'bull' and is often used in agricultural contexts. Additionally, it can be employed colloquially to denote something as 'awesome' or 'fantastic,' making it versatile in both formal and informal conversations.
Strokes4Radical牛Frequency#1407DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the ox is an important symbol of diligence and hard work, often featured in folklore and the zodiac. The Year of the Ox in the Chinese zodiac represents strength and perseverance.
Memory Tip
Imagine a strong, sturdy ox plowing a field, representing the hardworking nature of this animal. The character 牛 resembles the horns of the ox, with the top stroke symbolizing its head, helping you remember 'niú' sounds like 'new' as in a new strength in agriculture.
Meanings of 牛
niú(Niu2)
1ox
2cow
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 牛
牛Simplified
4Strokes
牛Radical
名形词xíngróngcíadj-noun (adj.-n.)Part of Speech
#1407Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L3ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 牛
Podcast: 牛
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 牛
Quick Contrast
牛 (niú) vs 羊 (yáng) — choose 牛 when referring specifically to cattle, while 羊 denotes sheep.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a strong, sturdy ox plowing a field, representing the hardworking nature of this animal. The character 牛 resembles the horns of the ox, with the top stroke symbolizing its head, helping you remember 'niú' sounds like 'new' as in a new strength in agriculture.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tonal pronunciation of niú (2nd tone) as it can easily be confused with other characters. In informal settings, you might hear 牛 used to compliment someone's skills or achievements, such as saying someone is 牛逼 (niú bī), meaning 'awesome' or 'impressive.'
HSK Study Tips
Although 牛 is not listed in the HSK vocabulary, it is a fundamental character that often appears in various contexts, including food and animal terminology. Students should focus on its usage in both literal and slang contexts to deepen understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the ox is an important symbol of diligence and hard work, often featured in folklore and the zodiac. The Year of the Ox in the Chinese zodiac represents strength and perseverance.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 牛 with other animal characters like 羊 or 马 (mǎ, horse). For instance, saying '我喜欢牛' (wǒ xǐhuān yáng) instead of '我喜欢牛' (wǒ xǐhuān niú) when referring to liking cows. Always double-check the character used.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 牛
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 牛 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 牛 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 牛
牛 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 5 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.
Ms. Niu made a great suggestion at the meeting yesterday.
Cultural Notes for 牛
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the ox is an important symbol of diligence and hard work, often featured in folklore and the zodiac. The Year of the Ox in the Chinese zodiac represents strength and perseverance.
Word Family of 牛
Compounds53
生sheng1to be born
告gao4to tell
先xian1early
解jie3surname Xie
件jian4item
牢lao2firm
牵qian1to pull (an animal on a tether)
遥yao2distant
谣yao2popular ballad
犀xi1rhinoceros; sharp, tempered
牟Mou2to profit, to usurp; moo
犁li2to plow
犟jiang4stubborn
瑶Yao2precious jade
鳐yao2the nautilus; the ray
吽
牽qian1to drag, to pull, to lead by the hand
傜
徭yao2conscripted labor
愮
牮jian4to prop up
犂li2plow
犎feng1zebu; humped-ox
犛
犨
犩
犫
猺
窂
荦luo4brindled ox; tawny, variegated
謡
鼄
吿
榣
汼
滛
熎
牪
牶
犇
犖
犘
犚
瑤yao2precious jade
磘
窰
謠yao2rumor; folksong, ballad
遙yao2distant, remote
鈝
鎐
鰩
鴸
鵇
Words Containing This Character20
牛niúox
牛奶niúnǎicow's milk
牛仔cowboy
牛肉beef
牛排steak
金牛座Taurus (constellation and sign of the zodiac)
牛仔裤niúzǎikùjeans牛仔褲
奶牛nǎiniúmilk cow
小牛calf
公牛bull
吹牛chuīniúto talk big
斗牛Big Dipper and Altair (astronomy)
牛市bull market
牛皮cowhide
牛津Oxford (city in England)
水牛water buffalo
蜗牛snail蝸牛
犀牛rhinoceros
牛顿Newton (name)牛頓
黄牛ox黃牛
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 生 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 牛
牛 specifically refers to oxen, while characters like 羊 (yáng) refer to sheep. Each character highlights different aspects of agriculture in Chinese culture.
Yes, 牛 can be used in formal contexts when discussing livestock or agriculture, but its slang usage is typically reserved for informal conversations.
Context is key; if you're talking about cattle specifically, use 牛, but for other animals, you'll need to use their respective characters.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 牛?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.
