We have already seen a few of the animals of the Chinese zodiac. This week we will look at
the 9th animal is 猴 (hóu)meaning monkey.
Pronunciation
猴 is pronounced hóu
Meaning
猴（hóu）was first seen in Xiaozhuan in “Shuowen”. The original meaning refers to a monkey. It is a mammal with a slightly human shape that lives in groups. Interestingly enough, it can represent someone who is smart and wise, but it can also describe a naughty child.
Example：
杀鸡儆猴 (shā jī jǐng hóu)
Literally , kill the chicken and show it to the monkey. It is a metaphor that conveys punishing one person in order to warn others .
猴头猴脑 (hóu tóu hóu nǎo)
Literally, to be as active as a monkey, describing an impetuous action.
山中无老虎，猴子称大王 (Shān zhōng wú lǎo hǔ, hóu zi chēng dà wáng)
Literally ,there is no tiger in the mountain, the monkey is the king. Metaphorically, there are no outstanding talents, and the lesser ones will play the main role.
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