sheep, goat

JLPT N5 6 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Meaning and Usage

The character (yáng) primarily refers to sheep or goats, and by extension, their meat (lamb or mutton). It is commonly used in contexts related to farming, food, and traditional culture.

Common Collocations

  • 羊肉 (yángròu): lamb or mutton, often used in menus or food discussions.
  • (mùyángrén): shepherd, the person who tends sheep.
  • (yángqún): flock of sheep, used in pastoral contexts.

Cultural Notes

is also significant in Chinese culture as one of the twelve zodiac animals, symbolizing gentleness and kindness.

Usage Tips

When talking about the animal, can mean either sheep or goat depending on context, but in food contexts, 羊肉 usually refers to lamb or mutton. Avoid confusing with other livestock characters like (cow) or (pig).

Example Sentences

The lamb meat at this restaurant is very tender.

The shepherd is grazing the flock of sheep on the mountain.

The sheep is one of the twelve Chinese zodiac animals.