Meaning
野兽 refers to wild, untamed animals, especially those that are fierce or dangerous. It combines 野 (wild) and 兽 (beast/animal) to specifically denote animals living in the wild rather than domesticated ones. The term often carries connotations of savagery or ferocity and can be used metaphorically to describe brutal or uncivilized behavior in humans.
Usage
This word is commonly used in both literal contexts (describing actual wild animals like tigers, wolves, or bears) and figurative contexts (describing cruel or barbaric people). It has a somewhat literary or formal tone compared to casual terms like 动物. Often appears in nature documentaries, literature, and when discussing wildlife or savage behavior.
Examples
- 01森林里有很多野兽，晚上出去很危险。, .There are many wild beasts in the forest; it's dangerous to go out at night.
- 02他像野兽一样残忍地对待别人。.He treats others as cruelly as a wild beast.
Characters
Measure words
- 只一只野兽
- 头几头野兽
Common collocations
- 凶猛的野兽ferocious wild beast
- 野兽般的beast-like, brutal
- 像野兽一样like a wild beast
Antonyms
Origin
The character 兽 originally depicted an animal with a prominent snout and four legs. Combined with 野 (depicting open fields beyond human settlement), the compound emphasizes animals in their natural, untamed state.