Chinese Dragons VS Western Dragons: What's the Difference? 

Note to all the people commenting saying its not called dragon its called Loong (with two o’s). In English we call it Dragon or Chinese Dragon to distinguish from the Western Dragon. We do not call it Long. If you want to suggest people call it Long, that is fine, and hey maybe it will catch on, I have no problem if it does. But we are just using the word that is in use in English right now, which is Dragon or Chinese Dragon to distinguish from Western Dragons. I don't think that is disrespectful like some are saying, words can have broad meanings, it doesn't mean we are saying Chinese Dragons are evil.

Chinese Phoenix is usually associated with fire, so makes sense Chinese Dragon are associated with water, the Ying and Yang

Both dragons from both cultures looks cool. But I’ll take Chinese dragons any day cuz it’s looks more beautiful and looks more interesting…

I think the early translators made a mistake. Chinese dragons and Western dragons are not the same thing. The Chinese dragon should have its own name. According to the Chinese pronunciation, it should be called "long".

Chinese dragon doesn’t need wings to fly that proved they are supreme beings

Water in Chinese culture means silver or wealth. Chinese dragon in most cases is coming with water. So this also means Chinese dragon represents a sign with fortune.

The dragon is considered a symbol of power, authority, and good fortune in Chinese culture. It is often associated with the emperor and was used as an imperial symbol.

They should be though of as different creatures and not counterparts. They actually barely have any features in common, other than resembling giant flying reptiles (the Loong has aspects of multiple animal kingdoms: fish, eagle, lion, snake, etc). It’s like the difference between an anaconda and a crocodile. Very clearly different animals.

Interestingly, the dragons are reflections of the mindsets and foreign policies of both sides: one is about destruction, guarding what’s mine but destroy yours; the other is about gentleness and bringing fortune and luck to the world!

Once upon a time, there was a dragon kingdom. Within the kingdom, there are four major tribes: fire dragon (the destroyer), water dragon (the unpredictable one), earth dragon (the hermit one) and the wind dragon (the invisible one).

Once, there was a dragon who wouldn't stop talking. No matter the subject, he would just drag on!

Nice video. You forgot to mention Chinese also consider themselves the descendants of the dragon.

龙是黄帝融合了各部落图腾而产生的新的图腾。民族大融合的意思。龙，掌控风雨，也代表着风调雨顺。所以中国龙，是祥兽！

A seven headed dragon is not a dragon that's a hydra

I showed this starting from 2:30 to my coworkers at this year's Spring Festival party as part of work diversity promotion and they really enjoyed it - informative and engaging.

In fact, the official English translation for '中国龙' (Chinese dragon) now is 'Loong'.

A couple of Chinese Dragon went on a honeymoon touring the South China Sea. On their way back, they stopped near Malaysia half way to Narathiwat. The female dragon realize her favorite sash was gone, so she left back to the sea near Pahang to look for it, while the male waits by the sea near Terengganu. Refusing to go home if the sash was not found, she stood there and became Tioman island. It's near Kuantan, where Kento Nanami wants to settle, if he's not killed. The male however, got tired of waiting and goes into a deep slumber, and became the Perhentian Island.(Perhentian means "a place to stop" in Malay) Weird, but it's the legend about the places, and I'd recommend you all to go there, and see for yourself if the two islands looks like coiled dragons.🐉

Visually, Euro dragons have wings and proportioned body whilst China dragons don’t have wings and are long like a snake.

The dragons in the Tears of the Kingdom are protectors to the Hyrule Land. Also, the Zelda transformed dragon which carries and recovers the master sword. It is the Chinese kind yet powerful dragon.

Fun to know. Thank you, Ben, Jared.

讲的很好，感谢❤

Love from Beijing

this video deserves more views

I've been seeing some merging of the qualities of these two dragon species in recent fantasy fiction ... most interesting of which is the Temaraire series.

2024 is the year of dragon (Chinese dragon, which we call "long"). It's interesting to learn about the differences in cultures.

How to get that picture?

Chinese dragon don't have wings, but they can fly, so I think this kind of separate them from as form of animal.

你说得很准确和全面了，好视频！！！👍👍👍

Well done. thank you 😊

It's truly Good video for leaning difference of both culture

how about Chinese phoenix vs western phoenix?

都是原始翻译的问题，尤其是抽象性的事物没法在对方语言系统找到对应的词，于是就借用了相近的词。音译词就比较好，其实loong并不是近期才这么命名的，两百年前大英就将龙翻译成loong。更早时期利玛窦在向西方描述龙的用词也犯难，如果当时音译它就没有现在的问题了

Really interesting thanks

We should include also the 'feathered serpents" aka dragons in México, I strongly believe they're also dragons.

東漢學者王符就認為，龍具有兔眼、鹿角、牛嘴、駝頭、蜃腹、虎掌、鷹爪、魚鱗、蛇身，九種動物合而為一的形象（也稱作九不像）[36]，與現今流行的形象已非常接近。然而，又有一稱，龍具有「蝦眼」、「鹿角」、「牛鼻」、「狗嘴」、「鯰鬚」、「獅鬃」、「鷹爪」、「魚鱗」、「蛇身」九種動物所組成。

In Meitei mythology, one of the main Gods is called Pakhangba, which is a dragon

Funny how western dragon is known for destruction and eastern dragon is known for helping.

This is good cultural knowledge that all people around the world aside from Chinese should learn more about. Thanks for the insights😊

They are often quite different in how they function in the regional mythology. In China, dragons are usually depicted as beings that are wise, powerful and divine but also potentially dangerous. In Europe dragons are usually depicted as giant apex predators that wreak havoc upon unwary people.

Chinese dragon is water. Western dragon is fire. Since ancient times, it's expected that both sides can't get along and will fight once they meet up. Of course, we chinese will also say, Chinese dragon is on the side of good, and western dragon is the evil one.

When I was young, I was told a story about how a mystical dragon was created. In Chinese or East Asia countries' dragons were created as the symbol of power for the King and higher royal officials. However, the selection of a type of mystical animals such as a dragon secretly was to mock the King and higher officials. In a way, it does make sense. In an ancient time, Kings and royal higher officials were the most evil people, they would indiscriminately execute people out of fears, control people through fears, or out of pleasures, etc. Therefore, when an official was told to choose an animal that represent the power of a King and his kingdom, he thought of a crocodile and a venomous snake because anyone who is working in the royal palace, on average life expectancy is not that high due to various death from indiscriminately such as wrong doing, envy, jealousy, false allegation, political persecutions, political competition, etc. Thus, being near the King or higher officials was like swim in a swamp unknowingly surround by crocodiles or unknowingly step on a group of poisonous snakes in a rice field, where one would not know when his life will be ended. Even though, crocodile and venomous snake are considered safe from a short distance. Choosing a crocodile or a venomous snake would consider disrespect to the King, so no one dare to suggest those two animals. However, among the most powerful animals like lion, tiger, elephant, bear, eagle, hawk, shark, whale, etc., they all were limited in their capabilities and projecting evilness in their abilities to devout weaker animals. Kings and higher officials were not satisfied with any animals can be seen on earth. Anyhow, an low level official came up with an idea, by creating a mystical animal and called it dragon. The dragon was actually a make up of many animals, the main animals were actually a combination of a crocodile and a king cobra, the rest of other animals were just added on as features to mass the actual animals that were purposely mocking the Kings and higher royal officials. Regardless, whether the assertion is true or not, many people still do associate the symbolic of dragons to religions, wedding, rituals, courage, power, blessing, mystical, mystery, and martial arts, etc.

In all honesty, with a logical viewpoint, the ancient Chinese sound like they're just describing lightning and thunder. Regardless, both Western and Chinese dragons are my favorite mythological creatures.

Always love light dragons and Goddess Tiamat. ❤️❤️❤️

3:50 HANZI CORRECTION: "Eyes like a Rabbit"

2024 is the year of dragon😂

I found you familiar . You took part in got talent show if I am not wrong.

Good Story😃🤟👍

Dragon komodo : those two dragons are delicious food yummy

In Eastern culture countries, China, Korea, Japan, and South East Asia, the dragon is a symbol of ruler, emperor, king, and good luck. And eastern dragons have dragon balls and fly with the clouds without wings. As you might know, this year 2024 is the year of the dragon. In addition to this, Dragons means emperors and kings, that's why Chinese emperors and Korean Kings were wearing cloths in golden thread dragons embroidery. And thus, the emperors and kings face are called 'Dragon face' in Chinese and Korean. As you can see the palaces, the residence buildings for the kings, you can check there aren't dragon figures on the rooftop, that means King is already living in the building. 🐲🐲

Interesting

Aside from satan in western dragon there is also a dragon in norse mythology called nidhogg, who feeds on the life of the world tree called yggdrasil and also the souls of the dead in underworld.

Intro song: "Forest myth" by Deskant. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-f-ghu5ZEobw.html

Wait till you learn about the Chinese Phoenix and how they're so very different from the Egyptian one (the one that keeps reborn)

Correction(I know this video came out a while ago but still): Chinese dragons or Loong龙 can be of multiple elements which are: Fire, water , earth , and wind as well as being gold.(as an asian who has studied the cultures more deeply i can confirm)the elements are represented in the zodiac too. Edit: I believe as a liker of dragons ,(i like the chinese one more because it is good boy dragon, not portrayed as evil, i hate evil things) that chinese dragons can only be born at the years of their zodiac for example 1988,2012 etc; if we go more specific maybe on the start of the year of the dragon. and different years have different years have different types of dragons for example on 1988 it was a earth dragon and on 2012 it was a water dragon. this actually is most likely true(i think I've read about it in some books in the past.)something i haven't read but i speculate is that when a dragon (or person who was born in years like 1988 and 2012)have a different element than their behaviour so when the time comes after 12 years for example 1988 to 2000 the dragons element changes? PLEASE MAKE A VIDEO EXPLAINING THIS (HOPEFULLY YOU READ THIS COMMENT sorry for all caps)

i know that as well but with the real synthesis. not just superficial comparison.

The dragon in the West is just a fire-breathing, winged lizard. And in China and South Korea it is a symbol of auspiciousness.

I’m pretty the first reference to dragons were from Geek mythology and they were sea beast the wipes out the surface with water of degeneracy and the unfaithful in the Greek gods

The most famous Chinese dragon is named ""Ying Loong" (應龍). It has wings. As shown on the ancient pictures and those on the pottery utensils (bowls, plates and vases), Ying Loong is having the frame and shape almost identical to those of the Western dragons.

Eherm South East Asia in particular Philippines hold the largest and the element of Air the Bird Dragon Minokawa the devours Suns and Moons !

Not necessarily. In Albanian culture Dragons are actually associated with water, also there are two types one is not seen as bad and the other is seen as bad. Drangua and Kulqedra.

This year is "Year of the Loong". Not "Year of the Dragon". Chinese loong is different from Western dragon.

I think the most important differences are mentality and psychology. Most Western dragons are tough pragmatists, individualists, vengeful, and greedy for money. Most dragons of the East are either philosophers, or mentors, or are part of structure of the divine pantheon. Most Western dragons can be compared to lonely berserker warriors sitting in their gloomy lair. Most Eastern dragons are either some kind of mentors and philosophers, or hardworking workers in service of the gods.

I find it funny and peculiarly coincidental that the Chinese dragon (long) is actually a "long" creature. In the English-speaking world, their Chinese name is both a name and a pun😂

Hey what about the mezo American Dragons. They are more on par with the Chinese Dragons

我雖不明白你講甚麽，但謝謝你對中華文化感與趣的講解🙏

The Chinese dragon (long, loong) was originated from crocodile at about 6000 years ago. through time the shape gradually evolved from baby crocodile to that of today.

The Chinese dragon is actually a symbol of totem with many symbolic meanings, symbolizing majesty, power, blessings, protection, supremacy, mandate from heaven. In ancient China, dragons were believed to be gods who controlled the wind and rain, making them extremely important in agrarian societies where wind and rain were necessary conditions for a good harvest. Therefore, dragons were objects of worship and devotion in ancient China.

I thought the 四灵 is 左青龙，右白虎，南朱雀，北玄武

Can anyone point me in the direction of the film with the dragon bursting out of the water at 0:30sec

Wasn’t expecting the cult promotion at the end of an otherwise lovely video 😢

0:33 I was born in the year of the dragon(I'm Asian btw) and my parents named me: 清水 for water bc my mom said that a dragon needs water

There's something that really confuses me about Chinese dragons. They have authority of water but is the symbol of masculine yang while the Chinese Phoenix is the symbol of feminine yin. Can you pls explain this?

Cool.

纠正一下，那个不是乌龟，是玄武，黑壳，背上有玄蛇

"龍 Dragon" is a totem of the ancient Chinese (Han people). It is also a symbol of the Chinese royal family and power. Chinese tradition has always used the dragon totem as the national emblem. The descendants of the dragon refer to the Chinese. So far, the Chinese have always claimed to be the descendants of the dragon (the heir of the dragon). Others must not be used. If the Japanese stole the "dragon" totem (except the Chinese in Japan). The Chinese emperor would send troops to kill and eliminate them. * Han people (Chinese) = descendants of dragons In ancient , Only the Chinese royal family and senior officers can use it. In ancient , If the "White clothes Ethnic 白衣民族" (today's ancestors of Koreans) use the pattern of dragon and use Chinese characters. They will destroy the tribe and beheaded.

Thank you for your deep dives into dragon lore. Dragons have adopted me. My home has become their lair. There must be 200 around here! They are of all breeds and clans and they all bring transformational magic to my life. Some people have angels 😇, l have dragons!😊🐉 🐲🏰.

I love Chinese dragon 😊

I believe the origins of the European dragon came from the Asian dragon. Many years ago the Europeans were at war with the Asians and the Tartars (Tartaria was a huge region in Asia). Their symbol of good fortune was the dragon, as well all know. But the Europeans, being at war with these people, turned the idea of their dragon into a beast of destruction as anything to do with the enemy must be bad. That's why the European dragon is so fierce and brings death and devastation to the people and must be killed. Just my thoughts anyway.

That’s right. Chinese Loong is totally different from western dragon!

If Buddhism engers into the Chinese lore of dragons then would ancient India have to say about dragons since Buddhism came from India. Chrck the story of Rahu and Ketu in Indian astrology snd youll be intrigued.

我都愛❤

I am not sure if it should called Chinese dragon. All ancient people believed to have dragon symbol.

The difference between the Chinese & western dragons is the wings. Chinese dragons don't require wings to assist in flying. In live Chinese can be self sustainable.

the four holy beast is kinda funny to me. Like, you got a dragon, a phoenix, a qilin, and then ... a turtle. Magical turtle? Nope. Just a turtle.

做得不错，很多中国人对龙的了解可能都没有这么多，不过如果可以在这篇里顺便介绍一下【叶公好龙】这个典故，对汉语学习者来说可能会更有意思

There are dragons called Wyrms but they look more like giant lizards with tiny underdeveloped wings that havent grown up into true dragons

Btw, Chinese Qilin is not unicorn.

Rồng phương đông( không chỉ trung quốc) trong đó có Việt Nam , là linh vật cát tường , tốt đẹp khi xuất hiện, nó còn biểu tượng cho quyền uy của vua chúa. Rồng phương đông còn là linh vật mạnh mẽ bảo vệ trợ giúp người thiện lành, hỗ trợ thánh thần , trừ yêu ma. Còn rồng phương tây chỉ đơn thuần là quái vật, yêu tinh có sức mạnh và thần thông , có cánh.

A western dragon made by a Hollywood studio

Four Holy Beast vs Four Symbol: Four Holy Beasts: Dragon Turtle "North" (The Turtle), Luong or Chinese Dragon "East" (The Dragon), Fenghuang "South" (The Phoenix), Qilin "West" Four Symbol: Black Tortoise (North), Azure Dragon (East), Vermillion Bird (South), White Tiger (West) So do you know the difference 😁.

Thank you for this detailed and precise explanation about dragons. As a Chinese, I don't mind the translation dragon or loong. However, I wouldn't recommend Shenyin, although the actresses and performance look so good. For me, the funder organization is a cult, those actresses are enforced to practice with low salaries. Even, they are accustomed with that closed living environment. Those children are innocent. I hope their income and influences could be cut.

The Chinese version is called Long, western one is called Dragon. ❤

One is a divine dragon and the other is an evil dragon.

金凯瑞啊

Western more Reptiles, while Eastern more Serpents. Many eastern country have similar Dragon myth like chinese ones, but only chinese one consider to be Dragon. Nagas also a Dragon in Eastern culture.

State bank vs Private bank

Chinese dragon is combination of the other animals in chinese zodiac : chicken leg, tiger mouth, snake body, horse hair, goat beard, etc

I recommend a documentary made by PhD scientists called “Dragons or Dinosaurs”. It’s very eye opening. The reason why Chinese include a supposedly “mythical creature” dragon in their Chinese zodiac among 11 other animals is because dinosaurs, formerly known as dragons before the word “dinosaur” was coined in 1821 by Sir Richard Owens, existed with men. They were created with man in the Garden of Eden by God on Day 6. Most cultures in the world have dragon legends, such as St. George slaying the dragon, or Polish fire breathing dragons, or Native American carving triceratops and other types of dinosaurs (dragons) on petroglyphs, or Cambodians carving dinosaur looking creatures on Ankgor Wat. The sea dragons in Chinese legends sound like the leviathan in the Bible, and brachiosaurus 🦕 sound like Behemoth in the Bible. The Loch Ness monster looks like a brachiosaurus 🦕 with a long neck. Dinosaurs formerly known as dragons didn’t die 65 million years ago with an asteroid hitting the earth. They were just drowned and buried alive in Noah’s global flood 4500 years ago, which is why we found soft tissues and blood cells in dinosaur bones. They were buried alive in the huge sedimentation of Noah’s global flood. Plate tectonics, fault lines, 71 percent of the earth covered with deep water, fossils (buried alive creatures), fossil fuel (crushed buried animals) and coal formation (buried and permineralized plants) and petrified trees standing up penetrating many geological strata each supposed took “millions of years” to form, and all the geological strata formed through hydrological sorting, finding sea creature fossils up on mountain tops, are all evidence of this worldwide global flood. Definitely check out the channels “Answers in Genesis”, “Is Genesis History” and “Creation Ministries International” to hear PhD scientists expose the false science of evolution. That documentary “Dragons or Dinosaurs” is definitely a good watch. Signing off as a doctor of pharmacy.

mythical dragon vs wyvern dragon.. see who wins.. 😅

Chinese dragon tends to have some sort of divinity they are not immortal flying lizard which is closer to early age western dragon.