September 9, 2026 · 星期三
The Jade Rabbit
兔子· rabbit, hare
Today’s episode with Jason & AmyThe Jade Rabbit symbolizes selflessness and loyalty in Chinese culture.
白露 is named for the glistening dew that beads on grass and leaves as cool nights condense the air's moisture. The temperature gap between day and night widens sharply, and a clear autumn crispness sets in.
In some regions people brew "白露 tea" or rice wine, and gather ten kinds of white-named herbs to make a nourishing tonic.
The Jade Rabbit
兔子tù zǐ
The Jade Rabbit, or 玉兔 (yù tù), is a cherished figure in Chinese mythology, often depicted as a companion to Chang'e, the Moon Goddess. This legendary rabbit is said to live on the moon, diligently pounding herbs to create the elixir of life. The story of the Jade Rabbit has captured the imagination of many, featuring prominently in Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations, where the moon is central to the festivities[1].
The tale of the Jade Rabbit has its roots in ancient Chinese legends. It is often told that the Jade Rabbit was chosen for its selflessness and loyalty. In one version of the story, the Jade Rabbit was rewarded for its willingness to sacrifice itself for others, leading to its eternal place on the moon[2]. This narrative emphasizes themes of altruism and devotion, values deeply admired in Chinese culture.
The Jade Rabbit's role in Chinese folklore extends beyond stories told during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Its image is seen in various forms of art, from traditional paintings to modern animations. The rabbit's association with the moon is often highlighted in Chinese poetry and literature, where it symbolizes purity and renewal. The character 兔 (tù), meaning rabbit, is a reminder of these cultural stories that have been passed down through generations.
Today, the Jade Rabbit continues to be a symbol of hope and perseverance, inspiring both young and old. As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, many families gather to share mooncakes and stories under the full moon, celebrating the enduring legacy of the Jade Rabbit. This cultural icon not only connects people to their heritage but also serves as a bridge for sharing Chinese traditions with the world.
The Jade Rabbit symbolizes selflessness and loyalty in Chinese culture.
兔子在月亮上。
Tùzi zài yuèliàng shàng.
The rabbit is on the moon.
- [1] Classic of Mountains and Seas (《山海经》)
- [2] Journey to the West (《西游记》)
Jason & Amy on 兔
Podcast: Dragon Daily: The Jade Rabbit — and the word 兔
Jason & Amy on The Jade Rabbit and 兔
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September 9, 2026
Today in Chinese cultural history, we highlight the contributions of a prominent Chinese mathematician and physicist.
Birth of Feng Kang, Chinese Mathematician and Physicist
Feng Kang was a pioneering Chinese mathematician and physicist, renowned for his work in computational mathematics and numerical solutions to differential equations. His methods and theories contributed significantly to the development of modern computing algorithms in China.
Feng Kang's work laid foundational elements for computational mathematics in China, influencing generations of scientists.
Read more
我有一只兔。
Wǒ yǒu yī zhī tù.
I have a rabbit.
This sentence uses 兔 to mean 'rabbit'.
月亮上有兔子。
Yuèliàng shàng yǒu tùzi.
There is a rabbit on the moon.
Here, 兔子 refers to a rabbit, emphasizing its mythical connection to the moon.
兔象征着好运。
Tù xiàngzhēngzhe hǎo yùn.
The rabbit symbolizes good luck.
In this sentence, 兔 is symbolic, representing good fortune.
玉兔象征无私。
Yù tù xiàngzhēng wúsī.
The Jade Rabbit symbolizes selflessness.
This abstract use of 玉兔 shows its cultural significance in representing virtues.
在 + location
在 + location
This pattern is used to indicate the location of someone or something.
Use this pattern to describe where something is.
他在家。
Tā zài jiā.
He is at home.
猫在桌子上。
Māo zài zhuōzi shàng.
The cat is on the table.
我们在公园。
Wǒmen zài gōngyuán.
We are in the park.
What does 兔 mean?
How is 兔 pronounced?
How do you write "rabbit" in Chinese?
Listen. What does the sentence mean?
兔子在___上。(The rabbit is on the ___.)
兔子在月亮上。 — What does this sentence mean?
What does the Jade Rabbit symbolize in Chinese culture?
Arrange into a correct sentence
What field did Feng Kang contribute to significantly?
Frequently asked questions about the word 兔
The word for rabbit in Chinese is 兔子 (tùzi).
The rabbit symbolizes peace, harmony, and fertility, and is one of the twelve zodiac animals.
Yes, 兔 is used in idioms such as '兔起鹘落' (tù qǐ hú luò), meaning to act quickly or decisively.
Chinese Learner’s Horoscope
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- A daily affirmationFresh every morning, never repeated
- A learning horoscopeWhat to study today, and when
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Today's Mandarin word: 兔 (tù) — rabbit, hare.
Learn it on Mandarin Temple's Dragon Daily 🐉