《英语十二生肖思维导图》
中心主题: Chinese Zodiac (十二生肖)
I. 基础概念 (Basic Concepts)
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A. 定义 (Definition):
- A repeating 12-year cycle, each year being represented by an animal and its attributed attributes.
- Based on the Chinese lunar calendar.
- Represents personality traits, fortune, and compatibility.
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B. 起源 (Origin):
- Ancient Chinese folklore and astronomy.
- Legend of the Great Race (动物赛跑). The order of finish determined the zodiac order.
- Association with the five elements (五行: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water).
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C. 重要性 (Significance):
- Deeply ingrained in Chinese culture and daily life.
- Used to predict fortune, choose auspicious dates, and assess compatibility in relationships.
- Influences naming conventions, career choices, and even real estate decisions.
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D. 构成要素 (Components):
- 12 Animals (十二种动物)
- 5 Elements (五行)
- Yin and Yang (阴阳)
II. 十二生肖 (The 12 Zodiac Animals)
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A. 顺序与名称 (Order and Names):
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- Rat (鼠 - Shǔ)
- Associated Traits: Quick-witted, resourceful, versatile, kind.
- Element Associations: Water.
- Rat (鼠 - Shǔ)
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- Ox (牛 - Niú)
- Associated Traits: Diligent, dependable, strong, determined.
- Element Associations: Earth.
- Ox (牛 - Niú)
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- Tiger (虎 - Hǔ)
- Associated Traits: Courageous, confident, charismatic, ambitious.
- Element Associations: Wood.
- Tiger (虎 - Hǔ)
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- Rabbit (兔 - Tù)
- Associated Traits: Gentle, elegant, kind, responsible.
- Element Associations: Wood.
- Rabbit (兔 - Tù)
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- Dragon (龙 - Lóng)
- Associated Traits: Confident, intelligent, enthusiastic, powerful.
- Element Associations: Earth.
- Dragon (龙 - Lóng)
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- Snake (蛇 - Shé)
- Associated Traits: Intuitive, wise, enigmatic, independent.
- Element Associations: Fire.
- Snake (蛇 - Shé)
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- Horse (马 - Mǎ)
- Associated Traits: Energetic, independent, cheerful, talented.
- Element Associations: Fire.
- Horse (马 - Mǎ)
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- Goat/Sheep (羊 - Yáng)
- Associated Traits: Gentle, compassionate, kind, creative.
- Element Associations: Earth.
- Goat/Sheep (羊 - Yáng)
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- Monkey (猴 - Hóu)
- Associated Traits: Sharp, intelligent, curious, playful.
- Element Associations: Metal.
- Monkey (猴 - Hóu)
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- Rooster (鸡 - Jī)
- Associated Traits: Observant, hardworking, courageous, honest.
- Element Associations: Metal.
- Rooster (鸡 - Jī)
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- Dog (狗 - Gǒu)
- Associated Traits: Loyal, honest, courageous, responsible.
- Element Associations: Earth.
- Dog (狗 - Gǒu)
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- Pig (猪 - Zhū)
- Associated Traits: Compassionate, generous, diligent, kind.
- Element Associations: Water.
- Pig (猪 - Zhū)
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B. 动物象征意义 (Animal Symbolism):
- Each animal embodies specific characteristics and symbolic meanings relevant to Chinese culture.
- Example: Dragon symbolizes power, nobility, and good fortune. Ox represents diligence and perseverance.
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C. 相冲相合 (Compatibility and Conflict):
- Certain animal signs are considered more compatible with each other, leading to harmonious relationships.
- Other signs are considered to be in conflict, potentially causing disharmony.
- Used for assessing romantic relationships, business partnerships, and friendships.
III. 五行 (The Five Elements)
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A. 五行属性 (Elements and Their Attributes):
- Wood (木 - Mù): Growth, vitality, creativity.
- Fire (火 - Huǒ): Passion, energy, warmth.
- Earth (土 - Tǔ): Stability, grounding, nurturing.
- Metal (金 - Jīn): Strength, resilience, determination.
- Water (水 - Shuǐ): Wisdom, fluidity, adaptability.
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B. 生克关系 (Generating and Overcoming Relationships):
- Generating Cycle (相生): Wood feeds Fire, Fire creates Earth, Earth bears Metal, Metal collects Water, Water nourishes Wood.
- Overcoming Cycle (相克): Wood parts Earth, Earth absorbs Water, Water quenches Fire, Fire melts Metal, Metal chops Wood.
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C. 与生肖的结合 (Combination with Zodiac Animals):
- Each animal is associated with a specific element, further influencing its characteristics.
- Example: A Wood Rat is different from a Water Rat.
IV. 阴阳 (Yin and Yang)
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A. 阴阳概念 (Concept of Yin and Yang):
- Two opposing yet complementary forces that exist in everything.
- Yin (阴): Feminine, passive, dark, receptive.
- Yang (阳): Masculine, active, light, assertive.
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B. 与生肖的结合 (Combination with Zodiac Animals):
- Each animal can be further categorized as either Yin or Yang, influencing its energy and characteristics.
- Odd-numbered animals in the zodiac sequence are typically associated with Yang, and even-numbered animals with Yin.
V. 英语表达 (English Expressions)
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A. Key Vocabulary:
- Zodiac animal: 生肖动物
- Lunar calendar: 农历
- Fortune: 运势
- Compatibility: 相容性
- Astrology: 占星术
- Horoscope: 星座运势
- Element: 元素
- Yin: 阴
- Yang: 阳
- Attribute: 属性, 特质
- Trait: 特征
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B. Common Phrases:
- "What's your zodiac sign?" 你属什么?
- "I was born in the year of the [animal]." 我是 [动物] 年出生的。
- "The year of the [animal] is said to be..." 据说 [动物] 年是...
- "According to Chinese astrology..." 根据中国占星术...
- "They are a good match because..." 他们很相配因为...
VI. 文化影响 (Cultural Impact)
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A. 节日庆祝 (Festival Celebrations):
- Chinese New Year (春节) marks the transition from one zodiac animal to the next.
- Traditional customs and rituals associated with each animal.
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B. 艺术与文学 (Art and Literature):
- Zodiac animals are frequently depicted in Chinese art, literature, and folklore.
- Symbolic representations in paintings, sculptures, and stories.
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C. 现代应用 (Modern Applications):
- Use in marketing and advertising.
- Inspiration for fashion and design.
- Continued relevance in fortune-telling and personal assessments.