sơn cẩu

Một con sơn cẩu đang đứng dưới tán rừng vào lúc hoàng hôn.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Raccoon dog: A small, omnivorous mammal (Nyctereutes procyonoides) native to East Asia, known for its facial markings that resemble those of a raccoon. It is a species of canid.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Sơn cẩu là một loài động vật có vú. (The raccoon dog is a mammal.)
  • Ở một số vùng, sơn cẩu còn được gọi là chó gấu trúc. (In some regions, the raccoon dog is also called a tanuki.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "sơn cẩu" is primarily used in zoological or scientific contexts. In popular culture, especially referring to Japanese folklore, the animal is more commonly known by its Japanese name, "tanuki."

Variants and Related Words

• Chó gấu trúc: A colloquial Vietnamese name for the same animal, literally meaning "panda bear dog."
• Tanuki: The Japanese name for the raccoon dog, often associated with folklore and myth.

Synonyms

• Raccoon dog: The direct English translation and common name.
• Nyctereutes: The scientific genus name.

Notes on Meaning

• It is important not to confuse the "sơn cẩu" (raccoon dog) with a "gấu trúc" (panda) or a "gấu mèo" (raccoon). They are distinct species.
• The "sơn cẩu" is a true canid, related to wolves and foxes, despite its raccoon-like appearance.