奶牛

• Pinyin: nǎi niú
• Hanzi breakdown: 奶 = milk; 牛 = pictograph of a cow's head. Milk-producing cattle.

Meaning

Dairy cow; milk cow.

Specifically refers to cows bred for milk production, as opposed to 肉牛 (beef cattle). Often Holstein breed with distinctive black and white spots. Important in dairy industry. Children often recognize them from picture books and farm visits.

Examples

1. 这个农场养了上百头奶牛，每天能产好几吨牛奶。 This farm raises over a hundred dairy cows and produces several tons of milk daily.
2. 黑白花的奶牛是小朋友们最喜欢的动物之一。 Black-and-white dairy cows are one of children's favorite animals.
3. 现代化的奶牛场用机器挤奶，效率比人工高多了。 Modern dairy farms use machines for milking, which is much more efficient than doing it by hand.

Usage Guide

Context: farming, agriculture, food

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 这头奶牛产奶量很高。(This dairy cow has high milk production.)
• 奶牛需要精心饲养。(Dairy cows need to be carefully raised.)

Don't Say

• 把奶牛和水牛混淆 (奶牛 is dairy cow; 水牛 is water buffalo)

Origin & History

Compound of 奶 (milk) + 牛 (cow/cattle). Cattle raised for milk.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal