n. (Hira=うし, Kata=ウシ) cattle, large cud-chewing animals with horns and cloven hoofs (bulls, cows, steers, etc.); cow, adult female bovine (especially one which is raised to supply milk or meat)

n. (Trad=牛, Pinyin=niu2) ox, cow, bull; neat, bossy

n. (Simp=牛, Pinyin=niu2) ox, cow, bull; neat, bossy

wu2 niu2 chuan3 yue4
The buffalo of Wu pants at the sight of the moon.
Mistaking the moon for the sun, and actually feeling the heat. Said of someone who is nervously scared.

ru2 niu2 fu4 zhong4
Carrying heavy loads like an ox.
Like beasts of burden.

dui4 niu2 tan2 qin2
Playing the harp for oxen.
Wasting good things on people who cannot appreciate them. Talking deep theory to fools or speaking to an audience of inappropriate subjects. Casting pearls before swine.

sha1 ji1 yan1 yong4 niu2 dao1
Why use and ox-cleaver to kill a chicken?
Performing a minor feat with unnecessary great effort. Why break a butterfly on the wheel? Using a steam-hammer to crack nuts. Alternative form: 割鸡焉用牛刀 (ge1 ji1 yan1 yong4 niu2 dao1).

niu2 yi1 dui4 qi4
Crying face to face in an ox cape.
Referring to people that share misery together.

niu2 ding3 peng1 ji1
Cooking chicken in a cauldron for stewing oxen.
Originally meaning to use large instruments for minor jobs. Now meaning to put a man of great talents on a petty job. Compare with 杀鸡焉用牛刀 (sha1 ji1 yan1 yong4 niu2 dao1).

mu4 wu2 quan2 niu2
Seeing no ox as a whole.
Originally referring to butcher who saw the ox only as parts and loins to cut. Now used to describe excellent skills and most efficient work.

feng1 ma3 niu2 bu4 xiang1 ji2
Even straying horses and cows do not cross into each other's territories.
This expression speaks of two things that have absolutely nothing to do with each other.

Pinyin: niu2
Wade-Giles: niu2
Zhuyin:
Hanzi:
(#936)