Overview
The character 犬 (quǎn) is a formal or literary term for "dog" in Chinese. It is often seen in classical texts, compound words, or formal writing rather than everyday spoken language, where 狗 (gǒu) is more common.
Usage Notes
When you see 犬, it usually refers to dogs in a general or symbolic sense, such as in idioms, literature, or scientific terms. For example, 犬类 (quǎnlèi) means "canine species." In daily conversation, people prefer 狗.
Common Collocations
- 犬类 (quǎnlèi): canine species, used in biology or zoology.
- 小犬 (xiǎo quǎn): puppy, a young dog.
- 猎犬 (lièquǎn): hunting dog, used in hunting contexts.
Tips
Avoid confusing 犬 with 狗. 犬 is more formal and literary, while 狗 is the everyday word for dog. 犬 also appears in compound words and names, especially in classical or scientific contexts.