虎

• Pinyin: hǔ
• Hanzi breakdown: 虎 = pictograph of a tiger, showing head and striped body

Meaning

Tiger. A large wild cat known for strength and power.

One of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals. Symbolizes bravery, power, and authority. Common in idioms and names. 虎年 is the Year of the Tiger.

Examples

1. 虎是中国传统文化中的重要象征。 The tiger is an important symbol in traditional Chinese culture.
2. 她属虎，性格很强势。 She was born in the Year of the Tiger; her personality is very strong.
3. 这幅画上画了一只下山的猛虎。 This painting depicts a fierce tiger descending from the mountain.

Usage Guide

Context: animals, zodiac, culture, idioms

Tone: powerful

Do Say

• 你属什么？我属虎。(What's your zodiac? I'm a tiger.)
• 虎父无犬子。(A tiger father has no dog son — like father like son.)

Don't Say

• 你像虎 without context (comparing to a tiger needs appropriate context — can be positive or negative)

Origin & History

Pictograph depicting a tiger, one of the earliest Chinese characters representing this powerful animal.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal