龙

• Pinyin: lóng
• Hanzi breakdown: 龙 = simplified from 龍, an ancient pictograph of the mythical dragon — one of the most complex traditional characters

Meaning

Dragon. The Chinese dragon, a symbol of power, good fortune, and imperial authority.

One of the most culturally significant symbols in Chinese civilisation. Unlike Western dragons, the Chinese dragon (龙) is benevolent, representing power, strength, and good luck. It is the symbol of the Chinese emperor and nation. Common in phrases like 龙年 (Year of the Dragon), 龙舟 (dragon boat), and 望子成龙 (hope one's child becomes successful). Also a common surname component.

Examples

1. 中国人常常说自己是龙的传人。 Chinese people often say they are descendants of the dragon.
2. 今年是龙年，很多人想生一个龙宝宝。 This year is the Year of the Dragon, and many people want to have a dragon baby.
3. 端午节的时候人们会划龙舟。 During the Dragon Boat Festival, people race dragon boats.

Usage Guide

Context: culture, zodiac, festivals

Tone: proud

Do Say

• 龙是中国文化的象征。(The dragon is a symbol of Chinese culture.)
• 他属龙，今年是他的本命年。(He was born in the Year of the Dragon — this year is his zodiac year.)

Don't Say

• 龙很可怕。(In Chinese culture, dragons are not fearsome monsters — they are auspicious symbols. Saying dragons are scary reflects a Western dragon concept, not the Chinese one.)

Origin & History

An ancient pictograph depicting a mythical serpentine creature with horns and scales. The dragon has been a core symbol in Chinese culture for over 5,000 years, associated with rain, rivers, and imperial power.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal