麒麟 (qílín) refers to a mythical hooved chimerical creature in Chinese culture, often depicted as a good omen bringing serenity and prosperity. It is commonly associated with wisdom and benevolence, making it a symbol of good fortune in various art forms and folklore.
HSK 7, 16 strokes, Hard
qílín(qi2lin2) T2
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
May 27, 2026
麒麟qílín(qi2lin2)
麒麟 (qílín) refers to a mythical hooved chimerical creature in Chinese culture, often depicted as a good omen bringing serenity and prosperity. It is commonly associated with wisdom and benevolence, making it a symbol of good fortune in various art forms and folklore.
Strokes16Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese mythology, the 麒麟 is often seen as a protector that appears during the reign of a wise leader, symbolizing peace and prosperity. It is sometimes associated with the arrival of Confucius, serving as a harbinger of significant events.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'qilin' as a unicorn with dragon-like features, prancing through a serene landscape, spreading good luck. The character combines the radical for 'horn' (角) suggesting its horned nature, and a strong, majestic presence that evokes the idea of auspiciousness.
About 麒麟
麒麟Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 麒麟
Podcast: 麒麟
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 麒麟
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'qilin' as a unicorn with dragon-like features, prancing through a serene landscape, spreading good luck. The character combines the radical for 'horn' (角) suggesting its horned nature, and a strong, majestic presence that evokes the idea of auspiciousness.
Usage Notes
While '麒麟' can be used in both formal and literary contexts, it is important to note that it is rarely used in everyday conversation. Common collocations include phrases related to auspicious events, such as 麒麟降临 (qílín jiànglín), meaning 'the qílín has arrived', often used in celebrations.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 7, focus on understanding the cultural significance of 麒麟 and its appearances in literature and art. It connects with other vocabulary relating to mythology and auspicious symbols, enriching your comprehension of Chinese cultural references.
Cultural Note
In Chinese mythology, the 麒麟 is often seen as a protector that appears during the reign of a wise leader, symbolizing peace and prosperity. It is sometimes associated with the arrival of Confucius, serving as a harbinger of significant events.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 麒麟 with other mythical creatures like 龙 (lóng, dragon) or 狮子 (shīzi, lion), leading to incorrect translations. Remember, 麒麟 specifically symbolizes good fortune and peace, while dragons often signify power and strength.
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 麒麟
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 麒麟 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 麒麟 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Cultural Notes for 麒麟
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese mythology, the 麒麟 is often seen as a protector that appears during the reign of a wise leader, symbolizing peace and prosperity. It is sometimes associated with the arrival of Confucius, serving as a harbinger of significant events.
Frequently Asked Questions about 麒麟
The 麒麟 is typically depicted with a body resembling that of a deer, scales like a dragon, and a single horn on its head, symbolizing its divine nature.
While 麒麟 is primarily a Chinese mythical creature, similar creatures exist in other cultures, such as the unicorn in Western mythology.
Today, 麒麟 is often used metaphorically to describe someone who is exceptionally talented or virtuous.
