兔子 refers to the common animal known as a rabbit, often associated with gentleness and agility.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Rabbit: small, furry mammal.
- Common pet and cultural symbol.
- Known for long ears and gentle nature.
Overview
兔子（tù zi）是中国汉语中表示“rabbit”的词。它是一种常见的家养或野生动物，以其可爱的外表和温顺的性格而受到人们的喜爱。在文化上，兔子也常常与月亮、吉祥和敏捷联系在一起。这个词在日常生活中非常常用，尤其是在描述动物或与儿童相关的语境中。
“兔子”主要用作名词，指代这种动物本身。它也可以与其他词语组合，形成更具体的表达。例如，“兔子尾巴”（tù zi wěi ba）可以用来形容事物很短或微不足道，这是一种引申用法，但基本含义仍然是围绕着兔子的特征展开。在儿童故事和动画片中，“兔子”是一个非常高频出现的词汇。
在日常对话中，人们可能会谈论“养兔子”（yǎng tù zi）作为宠物，或者在公园里看到“野兔子”（yě tù zi）。在描述食物时，虽然直接食用兔肉的情况在中国不如西方普遍，但有时也会提到“兔肉”（tù ròu）。在成语或俗语中，“兔子”也扮演着重要角色，比如“狡兔三窟”（jiǎo tù sān kū），形容藏身之处多，不易被察觉。
与“兔子”相似的词语可能包括“野兔”（yě tù），特指野生的兔子，强调其野性；“家兔”（jiā tù），特指家养的兔子。但“兔子”是最通用、最基础的表达。在某些语境下，如果强调的是其跳跃的特性，可能会用到“兔起鹘落”（tù qǐ hú luò）这样的成语，但它本身不是指代动物的词。在描述其他小动物时，虽然都指小型哺乳动物，但“松鼠”（sōng shǔ）、“仓鼠”（cāng shǔ）等词有各自明确的指代对象，不能与“兔子”混淆。
Examples
我喜欢看动画片里那只跳来跳去的兔子。
everydayI like watching the hopping rabbit in cartoons.
他跑得像兔子一样快。
informalHe runs as fast as a rabbit.
这只兔子看起来很温顺。
everydayThis rabbit looks very gentle.
在中国的传统故事中，玉兔住在月亮上。
culturalIn Chinese traditional stories, the Jade Rabbit lives on the moon.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
狡兔三窟
a cunning rabbit has three burrows (idiom: to have multiple escape routes or safe places)
玉兔
Jade Rabbit (in the moon)
兔死狗烹
when the rabbit dies, the dog is cooked (idiom: discard allies after they are no longer useful)
Often Confused With
‘兔’ is the single character for rabbit, often used in more formal contexts, compounds, or as part of the zodiac sign. ‘兔子’ is the more common, colloquial term for the animal itself.
‘野兔’ specifically refers to a wild rabbit, emphasizing its untamed nature. ‘兔子’ is a general term that can include both wild and domestic rabbits.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word '兔子' (tù zi) is a general and widely understood term for 'rabbit'. It's suitable for most everyday conversations and contexts, including those involving children. While it can appear in idioms, its primary use is literal. Be mindful of context when using it metaphorically.
Common Mistakes
Learners might sometimes confuse '兔子' with other small animals or overuse it in metaphorical senses without understanding established idioms. Ensure you understand the specific context when encountering or using the word.
Tips
Pronunciation and Tones
Pay attention to the tones: tù zi (fourth tone, neutral tone). Correct pronunciation is key for clear communication.
Avoid Misuse in Metaphors
While '兔子' can appear in idioms, using it directly as a metaphor for human traits might be unclear without context. Stick to established phrases.
Zodiac and Moon Rabbit
Remember the rabbit's significance in the Chinese Zodiac and the legend of the Jade Rabbit on the moon, which adds cultural depth.
Word Origin
The word '兔子' is a common noun formed by the character '兔' (tù) meaning rabbit, plus the diminutive or common noun suffix '子' (zi). This structure is very frequent in Chinese for naming animals and objects.
Cultural Context
Rabbits hold a special place in Chinese culture, notably as the animal associated with the fourth year of the Chinese Zodiac. The legend of the Jade Rabbit (玉兔) pounding medicine on the moon is also a significant cultural motif.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'tu' (too) cute bunny with long ears hopping around.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“兔子”在中文里的意思是“rabbit”，指一种长耳朵、毛茸茸的小型哺乳动物。它是一个非常基础和常用的词汇。
通常情况下，“兔子”直接用来指代动物。但在一些比喻或俗语中，可能会借用兔子的某些特性来形容人，比如形容人胆小或行动迅速，但这并非其主要用法。
“兔子”是“兔”的口语化和更完整的表达形式，两者基本意思相同。在日常交流中，“兔子”更为常见，尤其是在描述活泼的动物时。
在中国文化中，兔子常常象征着吉祥、幸运和长寿。最著名的例子是与月亮相关的玉兔，以及生肖中的兔。它也被视为敏捷和温柔的象征。
Test Yourself
我家养了一只可爱的______。
句子描述的是一种可爱的宠物，根据选项，“兔子”是最符合语境的答案。
以下哪个不是兔子的典型特征？
兔子以长耳朵、毛茸茸的身体和短尾巴闻名，但它们通常不擅长游泳。
词语：我，公园，看见，一只，兔子
这是最符合中文语序和表达习惯的句子，地点状语“在公园”通常放在动词“看见”之前。
Score: /3
Summary
兔子 refers to the common animal known as a rabbit, often associated with gentleness and agility.
- Rabbit: small, furry mammal.
- Common pet and cultural symbol.
- Known for long ears and gentle nature.
Pronunciation and Tones
Pay attention to the tones: tù zi (fourth tone, neutral tone). Correct pronunciation is key for clear communication.
Avoid Misuse in Metaphors
While '兔子' can appear in idioms, using it directly as a metaphor for human traits might be unclear without context. Stick to established phrases.
Zodiac and Moon Rabbit
Remember the rabbit's significance in the Chinese Zodiac and the legend of the Jade Rabbit on the moon, which adds cultural depth.
Examples
4 of 4我喜欢看动画片里那只跳来跳去的兔子。
I like watching the hopping rabbit in cartoons.
他跑得像兔子一样快。
He runs as fast as a rabbit.
这只兔子看起来很温顺。
This rabbit looks very gentle.
在中国的传统故事中，玉兔住在月亮上。
In Chinese traditional stories, the Jade Rabbit lives on the moon.
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This Word in Other Languages
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蜜蜂
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笼子
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