Meaning
兽 refers to wild animals or beasts, especially four-legged mammals. It often carries connotations of wildness, ferocity, or lack of civilization. In Chinese culture, it can also be used metaphorically to describe brutish or uncivilized human behavior.
Usage
兽 is more formal and literary than 动物 (dòngwù, animal). It typically refers to wild or ferocious animals rather than domestic pets. When used about people, calling someone 兽 or 禽兽 is a serious insult implying they are savage or morally depraved. Common in formal writing, idioms, and classical Chinese.
Examples
- 01森林里住着许多野兽。.Many wild beasts live in the forest.
- 02这种猛兽已经濒临灭绝。.This kind of fierce beast is already on the verge of extinction.
Measure words
- 只一只兽
- 头一头猛兽
Common collocations
- 野兽wild beast
- 猛兽fierce beast
- 禽兽不如worse than a beast (idiom)
- 走兽land animals, beasts
Antonyms
Origin
The traditional form 獸 shows a dog radical (犬) on the left combined with other elements suggesting a wild, four-legged creature. The simplified form 兽 retains the basic structure but with simplified components.