四し獣じゅう

noun

four beasts (tiger, leopard, black bear, brown bear)

Refers to a specific set of four animals in traditional contexts, especially in Chinese or Japanese lore. Not a general term for any four beasts.

• 四し獣じゅうとは、虎とら、豹ひょう、黒くろ熊くま、羆ひぐまの四よん種しゅの獣けものを指さす。

  The four beasts refer to the four kinds of animals: tiger, leopard, black bear, and brown bear.

noun

four directional gods (Azure Dragon, White Tiger, etc.)

Often synonymous with 四神 (しじん), referring to the four mythological creatures guarding the cardinal directions. Used in traditional cosmology and feng shui.

See also: 四神

• 四し獣じゅうは四し神じんとも呼よばれ、東とう西ざい南なん北ぼくを守しゅ護ごする。

  The four beasts, also called the four gods, guard the four directions.