In the rich tapestry of Chinese culture, the twelve zodiac animals play a significant role, each representing a year in a 12-year cycle. These creatures are not only celebrated in China but also recognized globally. Knowing how to pronounce the English words for the twelve zodiac signs can enhance one's understanding and appreciation of this fascinating aspect of Chinese tradition. Let's delve into the pronunciation of these animal names in English.
1. Rat (Shǔ)
The first animal in the Chinese zodiac is the Rat, represented by the character 虎. In English, the word "Rat" is pronounced as /ræt/. The emphasis is on the "a" sound, which is short and crisp. The "t" at the end is a simple stop consonant.
2. Ox (Niú)
Following the Rat is the Ox, symbolized by the character 牛. The English word for this animal is "Ox," pronounced as /ɒks/. The "o" sound is long and rounded, and the "x" at the end is a hissing sound.
3. Tiger (Hǔ)
The third animal is the Tiger, depicted by the character 虎. The English word "Tiger" is pronounced as /ˈtaɪɡər/. The "ti" at the beginning is a diphthong, a combination of two vowel sounds, while the "ger" at the end is pronounced as /ˈɡɜːr/, with the "er" sound being short and slightly rising.
4. Rabbit (Tù)
The Rabbit, represented by the character 兔, comes next. The English word "Rabbit" is pronounced as /ˈræbɪt/. The "ra" at the beginning is a diphthong, and the "bit" at the end is pronounced with a soft "t" sound.
5. Dragon (Lóng)
The Dragon is the fifth animal in the zodiac, symbolized by the character 龙. In English, the word "Dragon" is pronounced as /ˈdræɡən/. The "dra" at the beginning is a diphthong, and the "gen" at the end is pronounced as /ˈɡɛn/, with the "en" sound being long and falling.
6. Snake (Shé)
The Snake, represented by the character 蛇, is the sixth animal in the cycle. The English word for this creature is "Snake," pronounced as /ˈskeɪn/. The "sk" at the beginning is a combination of a soft "k" and a soft "s" sound, and the "ain" at the end is a diphthong.
7. Horse (Mǎ)
The Horse, symbolized by the character 马, is the seventh animal in the Chinese zodiac. The English word "Horse" is pronounced as /ˈhɔːrs/. The "ho" at the beginning is a diphthong, and the "rs" at the end is pronounced as /z/ in American English and /əz/ in British English.
8. Goat (Yáng)
The Goat, represented by the character 羊, is the eighth animal in the cycle. The English word "Goat" is pronounced as /ɡoʊt/. The "go" at the beginning is a diphthong, and the "t" at the end is a soft "t" sound.
9. Monkey (Hóu)
The Monkey, depicted by the character 猴, is the ninth animal in the zodiac. The English word "Monkey" is pronounced as /ˈmʌŋki/. The "mun" at the beginning is a diphthong, and the "ki" at the end is pronounced as /ki/, with the "i" sound being short and sharp.
10. Rooster (Jī)
The Rooster, symbolized by the character 鸡, is the tenth animal in the cycle. The English word for this bird is "Rooster," pronounced as /ˈruːstər/. The "ru" at the beginning is a diphthong, and the "ster" at the end is pronounced as /ˈstɜːr/, with the "er" sound being long and falling.
11. Dog (Gǒu)
The Dog, represented by the character 狗, is the eleventh animal in the Chinese zodiac. The English word "Dog" is pronounced as /dɒg/. The "do" at the beginning is a diphthong, and the "g" at the end is a soft "g" sound.
12. Pig (Zhū)
The final animal in the cycle is the Pig, symbolized by the character 猪. The English word for this animal is "Pig," pronounced as /pɪg/. The "pi" at the beginning is a diphthong, and the "g" at the end is a soft "g" sound.
By learning the English pronunciation of the twelve zodiac animals, one can better engage with the rich cultural heritage of China and its fascinating traditions. Whether you're planning to celebrate the Chinese New Year or simply want to expand your knowledge of this unique zodiac system, understanding these animal names and their sounds is a great starting point.