牛
niú · ox / cow💡 How to pronounce
n → like the 'n' in 'no'. iú → like 'yo' with a rising tone — it goes up at the end.
📖 The Story
牛 is the ox — a symbol of strength, patience, and hard work in Chinese culture. The oracle bone script shows the head of an ox with its two horns. The ox is the second animal in the Chinese zodiac, representing diligence and reliability.
🎬 In Culture Today
In Chinese agriculture, the ox was the most important animal. The saying '牛气冲天' (niú qì chōng tiān) means 'full of energy' — it's a compliment! During Chinese New Year, the Year of the Ox (牛年) is a time to honor hard work and perseverance.
📚 Words
📝 Example Sentences
我喜欢喝牛奶。
I like drinking milk.
牛仔很酷。
Cowboys are cool.