# Kun

/ˈkən/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/kun
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a giant fish from Chinese stories that can turn into a massive bird. It represents something so huge that it is hard to imagine.

For teachers: a legendary sea creature of enormous size from Chinese mythology, first described in the 'Zhuangzi', capable of transforming into a giant bird named Peng.

## Examples

- The ancient story describes the Kun as a fish thousands of miles long.
- In classical Chinese literature, the transformation of the Kun into a bird symbolizes a profound spiritual or intellectual shift.
- The philosopher Zhuangzi uses the image of the Kun to illustrate the limitations of human perspective when confronted with the vastness of the natural world.

## Usage notes

- Often capitalized as a proper noun in mythological contexts; frequently paired with its avian counterpart, the Peng.

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