Definitions
(noun)
tortoise; turtle
Etymology
Simplified form of 龜. Pictograph of a tortoise.
About
The character "龟" originates from an early pictograph depicting a turtle, with its traditional form "龜" preserving a visual approximation of the creature's shell, head, and legs. Over time, the graphic representation gradually stylized, streamlining the form into a more abstract and efficient glyph while retaining its essential silhouette. Etymologically, the character has consistently referred to the turtle, though its usage occasionally extended to describe objects or textures resembling a tortoiseshell, such as in terms for crackled surfaces. This structural evolution from a detailed pictorial to a simplified composition reflects a continual process of graphic refinement aimed at balancing recognizability with ease of writing.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这只动物是乌龟。
我看见了一只小乌龟。
乌龟在石头上晒太阳。
他养了一只宠物龟。
乌龟的壳非常坚硬。
这种龟的寿命很长。
他戴着一副玳瑁龟壳眼镜。
车辆像乌龟一样缓慢移动。