Meaning and Usage
"猴子" (hóu zi) literally means "monkey" and refers to the animal known for its agility and playful behavior. It is a common noun used in everyday conversation, especially when talking about animals or describing someone’s nimbleness.
Common Collocations
- 猴子爬树 (hóuzi pá shù): monkey climbs tree — used literally or metaphorically to describe agility.
- 像猴子一样 (xiàng hóuzi yíyàng): like a monkey — often used to describe someone’s lively or restless behavior.
Usage Notes
When using "猴子" to describe a person, it often implies they are very active, agile, or sometimes mischievous. It can be affectionate or mildly teasing depending on tone and context. Avoid using it in formal contexts to describe people.
Common Confusions
Don’t confuse "猴子" with "猿" (yuán), which refers to apes and is less commonly used in daily speech. "猴子" is the standard term for monkeys in Chinese.