Pigs have recently been proving quite popular(受欢迎的 shòu huān yíng de) among the Chinese people as they welcome in (迎来 yíng lái)the New Year of the Pig(猪年 zhū nián). Besides Peppa Pig (小猪佩奇 xiǎo zhū pèi qí), one of the most famous(著名的 zhù míng de) pig cartoon stars, there are many other lovable pig cartoon characters(卡通人物 kǎ tōng rén wù) worth mentioning.
Here are the five pop cartoon pig characters in China.
Peppa Pig
The British preschool cartoon series Peppa Pig has been broadcast(播出 bō chū) in about 180 countries around the world since its debut in 2004.
The story promotes traditional family concepts(观念 guān niàn) and encourages(鼓励 gǔ lì) children to experience(体验 tǐ yàn) life.
What is Peppa(《啥是佩奇》), the trailer of Peppa Pig Celebrates New Year went viral on Chinese social media recently, making Peppa the hottest pig cartoon character in China.
Mcdull
The cute little piglet is one of Hong Kong's most popular icons. He is not clever(聪明 cōng míng), but he is kind-hearted(热心 rè xīn). His struggles to understand(理解 lǐ jiě) how the world works(运行 yùn xíng) bring much laughter(欢笑 huān xiào) to many fans.
When asked why Mcdull(麦兜 mài dōu) is so popular among adults, his creator Mai Jiabi said: "Mcdull is like many ordinary people, not smart, not handsome, but he gives people the belief that they can face the world with kindness(善意 shàn yì)."
Zhu Bajie
Zhu Bajie(猪八戒) is one of the main characters of the famous novel Journey to the West(《西游记》). He is part human and part pig and protects monk Tang Sanzang(唐三藏) alongside the Monkey King(孙悟空 sūn wù kōng).
The classic story has been brought to screen, with many movies and cartoons made about the tale. The animated version of "Journey to the West" was aired on the China Central Television channel(频道 pín dào) in 1998.
Although Zhu Bajie is portrayed as lazy(懒惰 lǎn duò) and greedy(贪婪 tān lán), he is one of the most beloved figures in the story.
Three little pigs
The story of the three little pigs(三只小猪 sān zhī xiǎo zhū) is one of the most popular fairy tales among children around the world. There are many versions(版本 bǎn běn) of the story, and the most well-known version was produced by Walt Disney in 1933.
Pumbaa
The animated warthog is a very lovely character in Disney's animated film The Lion King(《狮子王》). His name "Pumbaa" derives from Swahili, an East African language. He and Timon, a meerkat are inseparable friends.
Their "Hakuna matata" philosophy(哲学 zhé xué) cheered Simba up and helped him finally get back what he lost. "Hakuna matata" which means “no worries (无忧无虑 wú yōu wú lǜ)” is also a very delightful wish for everyone in the upcoming New Year.
Key Words & Phrases
热心：kind-hearted
tā shì gè rè qíng dà fāng yòu rè xīn cháng de rén
他是个热情、大方又热心肠的人。
He is a warm, generous and kind-hearted man.
贪婪：greed
tā de tān lán yǒng wú zhǐ jìng
他的贪婪永无止境。
His greed knows no limits.
无忧无虑：without sorrow and anxiety
tā cóng wèi rú cǐ wú yōu wú lǜ guò
他从未如此无忧无虑过。
Never had he been so free of worry.
Editor: Jade
Source: CGTN
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