麟

麐

lín

粦 + 鹿

Definitions

lín variant of 麟[lín]

lín see 麒麟[qí lín]

Etymology phono-semantic

deer

Semantic: 鹿 Phonetic: 粦

About

麟 is a phono-semantic compound, combining semantic and phonetic elements to name a mythical beast. The left radical 鹿 ('deer') places it in the animal kingdom, specifically among hoofed mammals with deer-like bodies. The right component 粦 ('flitting light' or 'will-o'-the-wisp') marks the pronunciation. The character is used exclusively for the female of the qilin, a benevolent, scale-covered, hooved chimerical creature. Classical texts cite the qilin as a powerful omen of prosperity, peace, and the arrival of an illustrious ruler or sage.

Etymology Hide

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Bronze Early Spring and Autumn (~700 BC)

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

麟是一种传说中的动物。

Lín shì yī zhǒng chuánshuō zhōng de dòngwù.

The lin is a kind of legendary animal.

麒麟是中国古代的神兽。

Qílín shì Zhōngguó gǔdài de shénshòu.

The qilin is a mythical beast from ancient China.

这幅画上有一只麒麟。

Zhè fú huà shàng yǒu yī zhǐ qílín.

There is a qilin in this painting.

传说麒麟会给人们带来好运。

Chuánshuō qílín huì gěi rénmen dài lái hǎo yùn.

Legend says the qilin brings good luck to people.

博物馆里收藏着一件麒麟造型的玉器。

Bówùguǎn lǐ shōucáng zhe yī jiàn qílín zàoxíng de yùqì.

The museum houses a jade artifact in the shape of a qilin.

在古代建筑中，麒麟的石雕很常见。

Zài gǔdài jiànzhù zhōng, qílín de shídiāo hěn chángjiàn.

In ancient architecture, stone carvings of qilin are very common.

他的梦想是成为影视界的麒麟之才。

Tā de mèngxiǎng shì chéngwéi yǐngshì jiè de qílín zhī cái.

His dream is to become an exceptionally talented person in the film and television industry.

这部小说的作者被誉为文坛麟角。

Zhè bù xiǎoshuō de zuòzhě bèi yù wéi wéntán línjiǎo.

The author of this novel is hailed as a rare talent in the literary world.

Related Characters

Component: 粦

Component: 鹿

麟