Meaning
奶牛 refers specifically to cows raised for milk production, as opposed to cattle raised for meat or labor. It's a compound word combining 奶 (milk) and 牛 (cow/cattle). This is the standard term used in everyday conversation and farming contexts when discussing dairy cattle.
Usage
Native speakers use 奶牛 to distinguish milk-producing cows from other types of cattle like 黄牛 (yellow cattle, typically for labor or beef). It's commonly heard in contexts involving dairy farming, agriculture, or when discussing milk sources. The word is neutral in register and appropriate for all contexts.
Examples
- 01这个农场养了五十头奶牛。.This farm raises fifty dairy cows.
- 02奶牛每天要挤两次奶。.Dairy cows need to be milked twice a day.
Characters
Measure words
- 头一头奶牛
- 只几只奶牛
Common collocations
- 奶牛场dairy farm
- 养奶牛to raise dairy cows
- 挤奶牛to milk a cow
Origin
A straightforward compound where 奶 (milk) modifies 牛 (cow) to specify the type of cattle. This construction pattern is common in Chinese for creating specific subcategories.