1.
giraffe
A tall African mammal with a very long neck and legs, and distinctive spotted coat.
2.
qilin (mythical creature)
A legendary creature in East Asian mythology, often depicted with dragon-like features. Sometimes translated as "Chinese unicorn."
Usage
- Sense 1 (giraffe): usually written in katakana (キリン) in modern usage; counted with 頭
- Sense 2 (qilin): a benevolent beast in Chinese and Japanese mythology, sometimes called a "Chinese unicorn"
Etymology
The giraffe is named after the mythical beast. In fifteenth-century China a giraffe brought from Africa was presented at the imperial court as a qilin, and Japanese kept the name for the animal.
Cultural note
キリン is also a famous Japanese ビール brand, using the mythical 麒麟 as its logo.