Shihtzu township in Pingtung County 屏東縣|屏东县[Ping2 dong1 Xian4], Taiwan
HSK 6, unknown, 12 strokes, rank #4512, Hard
狮子
shīzi
Leo (star sign)
HSK 6, n, 12 strokes, rank #4512, Hard
狮子
shīzi
Shihtzu township in Pingtung County 屏東縣
HSK 6, n, 12 strokes, rank #4512, Hard
狮子
shīzi
lion
HSK 6, n, 12 strokes, rank #4512, Hard
狮子
shīzi
Shihtzu township in Pingtung County 屏東縣|屏东县[Ping2 dong1 Xian4], Taiwan
HSK 6, unknown, 12 strokes, rank #4512, Hard
shīzi(shi1zi5)shi zi
primary
T1
1Leo (star sign)
2Shihtzu township in Pingtung County 屏東縣
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
狮子(獅子)shīzi(shi1zi5)
狮子 (shīzi) means 'lion' in Mandarin and can also refer to the astrological sign Leo. It is commonly used in both literal contexts, referring to the animal, and metaphorical contexts, such as describing someone with lion-like qualities, like bravery. In Taiwan, it also denotes a specific township.
Strokes12Frequency#4512DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the lion is often associated with strength and protection. The lion dance, performed during festivals, is believed to bring good luck and chase away evil spirits, highlighting the lion's significance in celebrations.
Memory Tip
Imagine a fierce lion roaring in the savannah. The character 狮 (shī) resembles a lion with its radical 犭 (dog) suggesting a wild animal. Visualize the lion as a star in the sky to remember its connection to Leo, the zodiac sign.
Meanings of 狮子
shīzi(shi1zi5)
primary
1Leo (star sign)
2Shihtzu township in Pingtung County 屏東縣
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 狮子
狮子Simplified
獅子Traditional
12Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#4512Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2
Podcast: 狮子
Podcast: 狮子
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AI Study Notes for 狮子
Quick Contrast
虎 (hǔ) - use 狮子 when referring to the lion specifically, whereas 虎 refers to the tiger.
Usage Notes
Be careful with the pronunciation; the first syllable 'shī' has a high flat tone, while 'zi' has a falling tone. This word is used in both formal and informal contexts, but when referring to the zodiac, it may appear more in casual discussions about personality traits. Common collocations include '狮子座' (Leo sign) and '狮子舞' (lion dance).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 狮子 connects to other vocabulary related to animals and zodiac signs. Focus on using it in contexts that involve describing personalities or cultural practices, such as zodiac discussions and traditional festivals.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse the pronunciation of '狮' (shī) and '子' (zi), leading to miscommunication. For example, saying 'shi zi' with equal tones can be incorrect; ensure you apply the correct tones: shī (first tone) and zi (third tone).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 狮子
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Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
狮子 (shīzi) means 'lion' in Mandarin and can also refer to the astrological sign Leo. It is commonly used in both literal contexts, referring to the animal, and metaphorical contexts, such as describing someone with lion-like qualities, like bravery. In Taiwan, it also denotes a specific township.
When to use 狮子
Be careful with the pronunciation; the first syllable 'shī' has a high flat tone, while 'zi' has a falling tone. This word is used in both formal and informal contexts, but when referring to the zodiac, it may appear more in casual discussions about personality traits. Common collocations include '狮子座' (Leo sign) and '狮子舞' (lion dance).
狮子 or something close to it
虎 (hǔ) - use 狮子 when referring to the lion specifically, whereas 虎 refers to the tiger.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse the pronunciation of '狮' (shī) and '子' (zi), leading to miscommunication. For example, saying 'shi zi' with equal tones can be incorrect; ensure you apply the correct tones: shī (first tone) and zi (third tone).
Write 狮子
狮
子
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Practice writing 狮子 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 狮子
狮子 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 4 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
当他像____般地咆哮时,谁敢和他顶嘴?
Who dares to answer back when he roars like a lion?
Example Sentences for 狮子 (9)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
当他像狮子般地咆哮时,谁敢和他顶嘴?
dāng tā xiàng shī zǐ bān dì páo xiào shí, , shuí gǎn hé tā dǐng?
Who dares to answer back when he roars like a lion?
2
又射偏了几次之后,他们终于把两支箭射入了狮子的胸膛.
yòu shè piān le jī cì zhī hòu, , tā mén zhōng yú bǎ liǎng zhī jiàn shè rù le shī zǐ de xiōng.
After more misses, they finally put two arrows into the lion's chest.
3
这对五年前发现的狮子是金属制的.
zhè duì wǔ nián qián fā xiàn de shī zǐ shì jīn shǔ zhì de.
The pair of lions which were found five years ago were metallic.
4
走投无路的猫会变得和狮子一样凶猛.
zǒu tóu wú lù de māo huì biàn dé hé shī zǐ yī yàng xiōng měng.
