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    Chinese Grammar

    Referring to a hippopotamus with 河马 (hémǎ)

    Description & Modification

    Explanation

    The noun 河马 (hémǎ) means "hippopotamus." It is a compound word made up of 河 (river) and 马 (horse), literally meaning "river horse." It is used to refer to the large semi-aquatic mammal native to Africa.

    Examples

    • 动物园里的河马正在水里泡澡呢。

      Dòngwùyuán lǐ de hémǎ zhèngzài shuǐ lǐ pào zǎo ne.

      The hippo at the zoo is soaking in the water.

    • 河马虽然看起来笨重，但跑得其实很快。

      Hémǎ suīrán kàn qǐlái bènzhòng, dàn pǎo de qíshí hěn kuài.

      Although hippos look clumsy, they can actually run very fast.

    • 孩子们最喜欢看河马张大嘴巴的样子。

      Háizimen zuì xǐhuān kàn hémǎ zhāng dà zuǐba de yàngzi.

      Children love watching hippos open their mouths wide.

    Referring to a hippopotamus with 河马 (hémǎ) | Chinese Grammar