noun HSK 5
buffalo · bison · wild ox
Meaning
野牛 refers to large wild bovines, including buffalo and bison. The word literally means 'wild cattle' and encompasses various species of wild oxen found in different parts of the world, including the American bison and Asian water buffalo.
Usage
This term is used in both everyday conversation and scientific contexts to refer to wild bovine species. In Chinese culture, 野牛 may appear in discussions about wildlife, nature documentaries, or when describing powerful, untamed animals. It's less commonly used in daily conversation unless discussing animals or nature.
Examples
- 01在美国的大草原上，曾经生活着数百万头野牛。, .Millions of bison once lived on the great prairies of America.
- 02我们在国家公园里看到了一群野牛在吃草。.We saw a herd of buffalo grazing in the national park.
Characters
Measure words
- 头一头野牛
- 群一群野牛
Common collocations
- 野牛群herd of buffalo
- 野牛奔跑buffalo running
Antonyms
Origin
The word combines 野 (wild) with 牛 (cattle/ox) to literally mean 'wild cattle,' distinguishing these animals from domesticated cattle.