poisonous snake; viper

a highly venomous snake found in tropical and subtropical regions; named for the spectacle-like markings on its neck hood when expanded

rattlesnake; a venomous pit viper known for the rattling sound produced by the horny scales at the end of its tail

the literal head of a snake

(idiom) lit. beat the grass and scare the snake; fig. to unintentionally alert an opponent through careless actions, allowing them to prepare in advance

python or boa; a large non-venomous snake found in tropical and subtropical regions. Also known as [[蚺蛇|蚺蛇|ran2 she2]] or [[髯蛇|髯蛇|ran2 she2]].

ox-headed spirits and snake-bodied gods from folklore; used to describe a bizarre, phantasmagorical, or wildly imaginative artistic style

the skin of a snake

The Legend of the White Snake; a famous Chinese folk tale about a white snake spirit who falls in love with and marries a mortal man

to crawl or move like a snake

toxic liquid extracted from poisonous snakes, used medically to prevent blood clots or refined into other medicines

Literally "tiger's head, snake's tail"; describes something that starts with a lot of energy and momentum but ends weakly or remains unfinished.

curved or winding like a crawling snake; S-shaped; serpentine

a local bully or tyrant who uses their power or connections to oppress others in a specific area; a regional mafia boss

to add legs to a snake; to do more than is needed and thus spoil the result or make things worse; to be unnecessary or redundant

Any of various types of snakes that live in or near the water; specifically a mildly venomous snake found in the rice fields and canals of Southeast Asia

any of various venomous snakes including the adder and Siberian pit viper; typically characterized by a thick body, thin tail, and a triangular head

To use bait or a clever trick to entice an enemy or a wrongdoer out of their hiding place.

a snake's gallbladder, highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine

(literary) flourishes or vigorous strokes in cursive calligraphy; elegant writing style

Any of various venomous snakes that live in the ocean, typically characterized by a paddle-like tail for swimming and feeding primarily on fish.

(idiom) To pretend to be polite and interested while merely going through the motions; to deal with someone insincerely or perfunctorily.

(idiom) extremely greedy; a snake trying to swallow an elephant. Refers to human greed being insatiable, especially when trying to take on something much larger than oneself.

a species of highly venomous pit viper native to China and neighboring regions; literally "five-step snake", from the belief that a victim can walk only five steps after being bitten before dying

one of the twelve years in the Chinese zodiac cycle

A type of venomous snake typically having a thick body and triangular head, such as the Russell's viper.

something superfluous or unnecessary; literally legs on a snake

a highly venomous snake with black and white rings found in South China and Southeast Asia

A slender and supple waist, usually used to describe the graceful and lithe figure of a woman.

literally dragons and snakes mingle; refers to a situation or place where worthy people and scoundrels are mixed together; same as [[鱼龙混杂|魚龍混雜|yu2 long2 hun4 za2]]

Literally "to see the reflection of a bow in a cup as a snake"; used to describe being jittery or suffering from groundless fears and unnecessary suspicions.

A type of non-poisonous snake that grows to about 80cm; it is light yellow with red and black bands and has a fierce temperament.

a military formation where troops are deployed in a single long line

A common magnesium silicate mineral, typically green or yellowish-green with dark mottled patterns like snakeskin; often used as building material or for decorative carving.

(idiom) describes calligraphy that is lively, vigorous, and fluid; literally the brush flows like a dragon or snake

a man who is never content is like a snake trying to swallow an elephant; describes extreme greed or someone who is never satisfied with what they have

A military formation where troops are strung out in a single horizontal line; also used to describe people or vehicles forming a very long queue.

(literary) winding; meandering; curved and extending

to have the heart of a snake or a scorpion; describes someone who is malicious, cruel, or treacherous

The cast-off skin of a snake, used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat conditions like seizures or convulsions; also called [[蛇符|蛇符|she2 fu2]]

Literally "even a powerful dragon cannot repress a snake in its own haunts"; used to mean that a powerful person from the outside cannot compete with local forces who have the advantage of being on their own home turf

Common name for a lizard, specifically the [[蜥蜴|蜥蜴|xi1 yi4]]

literally "to strike a snake at its seventh inch," which refers to the location of its heart; used to describe hitting someone's weak point or handling a problem by addressing its most critical part

Ophiuchus constellation

serpentinite; serpentine rock

hops; a perennial climbing plant used in brewing beer and in medicine; also called [[啤酒花|啤酒花|pi2 jiu3 hua1]]

(idiom) words of a Buddha but the heart of a snake; describes someone who speaks with extreme kindness but hides malicious or treacherous intent

lit. dragons flying and snakes moving; used to describe calligraphy that is lively, vigorous, and full of fluid power