Two Tigers (nursery rhyme) facts for kids

"Two Tigers" is a very popular children's song from China. Its name in Mandarin Chinese is "Liang Zhi Lao Hu." This fun song uses a tune that you might already know from another famous song called "Frère Jacques," which comes from France. It's a simple and catchy tune that many kids around the world enjoy singing.

About the Song

"Two Tigers" is a well-loved nursery rhyme in China. It's sung in Mandarin, which is the most common language spoken there. The song is easy to learn and has a simple, repetitive tune. This makes it perfect for young children to sing along to.

The Tune's Journey

The melody for "Two Tigers" actually comes from a very old French song called "Frère Jacques." This French tune is famous worldwide and has been used for many different children's songs in various languages. It's interesting how a melody can travel across countries and be adapted into new songs with new meanings.

What the Song Says

The lyrics of "Two Tigers" tell a short, funny story about two tigers. These tigers are running very fast. But there's a twist! One tiger is missing its eyes (or sometimes its ears), and the other tiger is missing its tail. The song ends by saying how strange this is. It's a playful and imaginative song that makes you think about these unusual tigers.

Chinese Lyrics

两只老虎，

两只老虎，

跑得快，

跑得快，

一只没有眼睛， (or: 一只没有耳朵)

一只没有尾巴，

真奇怪，

真奇怪。

Pinyin Guide

Liǎng zhī lǎohǔ,

Liǎng zhī lǎohǔ,

Pǎo de kuài,

Pǎo de kuài,

Yī zhǐ méiyǒu yǎnjīng, (or: Yī zhī méiyǒu ěrduo)

Yī zhī méiyǒu wěibā,

Zhēn qí guài,

Zhēn qí guài.

English Meaning

Two little tigers,

Two little tigers,

(They) run very fast,

(They) run very fast,

One has no eyes (or: One has no ears),

One has no tail,

Very weird,

Very weird.