竜(りゅう)

りゅう
noun
dragon
1. dragon
A mythical creature prominent in East Asian folklore. Unlike Western dragons, the East Asian dragon is typically serpentine, associated with water and weather, and considered a symbol of power and good fortune.
竜(りゅう)の絵(え)を描(えが)く。
To draw a picture of a dragon.
この神社(じんじゃ)には竜(りゅう)の彫刻(ちょうこく)がある。
This shrine has a dragon carving.
伝説(でんせつ)によると、竜(りゅう)は雲(くも)を呼(よ)び雨(あめ)を降(ふ)らせる力(ちから)を持(も)つ。
According to legend, dragons have the power to summon clouds and bring rain.

KANJI NOTE:
竜(りゅう) is the simplified form (shinjitai). The traditional form is 龍(りゅう), which is still widely used in names, temples, and decorative contexts. Both are read りゅう.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 竜巻(たつまき): tornado (literally "dragon roll")
  • 恐竜(きょうりゅう): dinosaur
  • 竜(りゅう)の落(お)とし子(ご): seahorse (literally "dragon's child")
  • 登竜門(とうりゅうもん): gateway to success (from the Chinese legend of carp leaping the Dragon Gate)

CULTURE:
Dragons in Japanese culture are guardians of water and are commonly depicted on temple ceilings, festival floats, and New Year decorations. The 十二支(じゅうにし) (Chinese zodiac) includes 辰(たつ) (dragon) as the fifth sign.

general
Added 2026.2.27 12:11
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