CHINESE VOCAB
Last week we learned how to order takeout on the phone in Chinese, this is a big deal for expats living here in China. Click here to check it out.
Today we’re discussing the adorable yet glam thing, 招财猫, zhāo cái māo or as I refer to it affectionately as the “Gangsta Cat”. Because, why not?
You see them in stores everywhere here in China. Zhāo 招 means ‘to find’ and 财 cái is short for 财富 cái fù which means fortune. And, 猫 māo is cat.
Good Fortune?
So, stores have these cats to bring good fortune and wealth to their business. Some have fixed arms, but most have cat paws which are waving back and forth.
The store owner says that zhāo 招 means to attract, 财 cái refers to money. In short, it means “to bring the money in”.
This is also commonly seen in Japan. Known as the “beckoning cat”. It is thought to bring good luck to its owner.
Fortune Cat
招财猫
zhāo cái māo
Do you want to learn real Chinese?
The language that Chinese tutors don’t teach you, everyday phrases and words that actually help you manage day-to-day tasks? Well, my friends, you are in luck.
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