noun HSK 4
goat · mountain goat
Meaning
山羊 literally means 'mountain sheep' and refers to domesticated goats. The term distinguishes goats from sheep (绵羊), which are different animals despite both being small ruminants. Goats are commonly raised in China for meat, milk, and their hides.
Usage
This is the standard term for goat in Mandarin. When referring to goats in general conversation, farming contexts, or cuisine, 山羊 is the appropriate word. In some dialects and regions, people may use other local terms, but 山羊 is universally understood in Standard Mandarin.
Examples
- 01农民在山上放养了一群山羊。.The farmer is raising a herd of goats on the mountain.
- 02山羊奶比牛奶更容易消化。.Goat milk is easier to digest than cow's milk.
Characters
Measure words
- 只一只山羊
- 头三头山羊
- 群一群山羊
Common collocations
- 山羊奶goat milk
- 山羊肉goat meat
- 养山羊to raise goats
- 山羊胡子goatee (beard style)
Origin
The name 山羊 (mountain goat) comes from the animal's natural habitat and behavior, as goats are known for their ability to climb steep, rocky terrain in mountainous areas, unlike sheep which prefer flatter pastures.