Red Panda In 9 Languages (Spelling & Pronunciation)


Red pandas are among the most beautiful and adorable animals in the world. They are unique for their cultural significance and different names in different languages. 

In this article, we will explore the various names and how you can pronounce them. 

Let’s get started already.

Table of Contents

What Is Red Panda In Chinese/Mandarin?

In Chinese/Mandarin, the red panda is called “小熊猫” (xiǎo xióng māo). This is interpreted as “little bear cat”. The word “小” (xiǎo) means “little” or “small”. 

“熊” (xióng) means “bear” and “猫” (māo) means “cat”. The name “小熊猫” reflects the red panda’s physical characteristics, which resemble a combination of a bear and a cat.

The red panda bear body and cat face gave rise to this name. It is commonly used in China and other Mandarin-speaking countries to refer to this precious animal.

The pronunciation of “小熊猫” (xiǎo xióng māo) in Mandarin  can be broken down as follows:

  • “小” (xiǎo) is pronounced like “shy – ow.”. “xi” is similar to the English word “she” and “ǎo” is similar to the “ow” in “how”.
  •  “熊” (xióng) is pronounced like “shy-ohng”. The “xi” is pronounced like the English word “she” and “óng” is pronounced like “oh” in “song”.
  •  “猫” (māo) is pronounced like “maow”. The “māo” is pronounced like the English word “mow” with an “a” sound at the beginning.

When pronounced together, “小熊猫” (xiǎo xióng māo) will be pronounced  “shy-ow shy-ohng maow” in Mandarin Chinese.

The “熊” (xióng) pronunciation in the name is similar to the word “showing” in English. So when English speakers hear it for the first time, they find it funny to pronounce.

Here’s a video to help you pronounce the name effectively.

What Is Red Panda In Japanese?

Red panda in Japanese is レッサーパンダ (ressā panda). It is a katakana word of the English word “lesser panda” because red pandas are smaller than giant pandas.

Another word for red panda Japanese is “アカパンダ” (aka-panda). The word “アカ” (aka) means “red” and “パンダ” (panda) is used for the animal.

Combining both words “アカパンダ” (aka-panda) translates to “red panda” in English. This name is commonly used in informal contexts. 

They use it to refer to the distinctive red coat, markings, and charming appearance of panda. But レッサーパンダ is used in scientific and academic contexts.

What Is Red Panda In French?

The red panda is called “panda roux or petit panda in French. 

Both terms are correct and commonly used. Panda roux directly translates the English word “red panda”.

“Roux” means “red” in French, and relates to the red panda’s characteristic reddish-brown fur. 

Petit panda means “small panda” and is used to differentiate red pandas from giant pandas. This name is commonly used in French-speaking regions for this attractive creature.

What Is Red Panda In English?

The red panda is called “red panda or lesser panda” in English. The name refers directly to the animal itself and its distinctive red coat. 

The name is widely known and used in English-speaking areas. It is also used in scientific works to describe this cute endangered species.

Did you know red pandas are also called firefoxes and bearcats? That’s cool English nicknames red pandas have gotten over the years. 

What Is Red Panda In Korean?

Red pandas are called “레드 판다” (Re-deu-pan-da) in Korean. To pronounce it, start by saying the word “red” and then say pand with an ‘’o’’ sound ending it.

The term “판다” (Re-deu) is an interpretation of the English word “red,” while “판다” means Panda.”  Bringing the two words together gives “레드 판다” (red panda)”.

This name is most commonly used in Korea even though there are other names like “렛서 팬더” (lesser panda). However, they are not used often as 레드 판다. 

What Is Red Panda In German?

The German name for the red panda is ”Roter Panda”, which accurately means “red panda”. This is attributed to their lovely color and playful nature.

Another word for a red panda in German is Kleiner Panda,  literally “little panda” This is because red pandas are not as big as giant pandas.

Red pandas are indigenous to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. But they are also popular zoo animals in Germany. 

What Is Red Panda In Cantonese?

In Cantonese, the red panda is called 小熊貓 (siu2 hung4 maau1), the term “小” (siu2) means “little or small”, “熊” (hung4) means “bear” and “貓” ( maau1) means “cat.” 

Therefore, “小熊貓” (siu2 hung4 maau1) directly translates to “little bear cat” in English. This name is used in places that speak Cantonese.

It simply highlights their special features; partly bears and partly cats. Red pandas are about the same size as a house cat, having reddish-brown fur and a long bushy tail. 

What Is Red Panda In Spanish?

In Spanish, the red panda is known as “panda rojo.” The term “panda” remains the same as in English, referring to the creature “panda.

“Rojo” means “red” in Spanish, defining the red panda’s clear reddish-brown coat. This is typically the most common name for the animal in Spanish-speaking nations.

Another name for red panda in Spanish is ‘’oso panda menor’’ which suggests “lesser panda bear.” This name is less used but it is applicable in a few contexts.

Red pandas are native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China, but they are also famous in Spanish-speaking countries. 

What Is Red Panda In Vietnamese?

The most common name for the red panda in Vietnamese is “gấu mèo đỏ.” This name directly means red bamboo bear.” 

“The short word “gấu” means “bear,” trúc means bamboo, and “đỏ” means “red.” Thus, a combination of all three words gives the red panda’s name in the Vietnam language.

Other names for red panda in Vietnamese include:

  • Gấu trúc nhỏ (small bamboo bear)
  • Gấu mèo đỏ (red cat bear)
  • Gấu trúc đỏ Himalaya (Himalayan red bamboo bear)

Final Thoughts

Despite language differences, admiration for red pandas transcends borders and cultures. Whether it’s  “panda rojo” in Spanish or panda roux in French, the expressions reflect a global love for the animal. 

One thing is certain in all these languages: The red panda’s beauty and abilities have captured the hearts of many.

Now that you are aware of these, you might be curious to know why they are more popular than many animals.

Read our article ‘’ X Top Reasons How Red Pandas Become Popular’’ To find out for yourself.

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