麟 lín qilin
qilin; female unicorn
How to remember 麟: 鹿 deer + 粦 ghost light = qilin. In the dark forest, the little girl follows a shining deer and a ghost light between the trees, sure she has seen a real qilin.
Component breakdown
麟 = 鹿 deer + 粦 ghost light
- 鹿 deer
- 粦 ghost light
In the dark forest, the little girl follows a shining deer and a ghost light between the trees, sure she has seen a real qilin.
How it is used
- The qilin (Chinese unicorn), an auspicious mythical beast - pure literary/ceremonial use. Its home is 凤毛麟角 (fèngmáo-línjiǎo) 'phoenix feathers and unicorn horns' = something extremely rare and precious.
- Also 麒麟 (qílín) the full name of the creature, seen on carvings and in names.
- Never an everyday word.