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HSK 5 Chinese reading practice

田螺姑娘

tián luó gū niang

The Snail Maiden

A mysterious guest quietly turns a lonely farmer’s house into a home.

RECOMMENDEDHSK 5
READ7 min
HANZI159
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文化
CULTURE

Magic in an ordinary household

The Snail Maiden is a domestic wonder tale. Its magic appears through cooking, cleaning, farming, and mutual care rather than palaces or battles.

Key vocabulary15 words from this story
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阅读理解 · COMPREHENSION

Check your understanding

Answer three questions without looking at the English translation.

01农夫在河边捡到了什么？
02带回田螺以后，农夫每天回家发现什么？
03田螺姑娘为什么来到人间帮助农夫？
0 / 3questions answered
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Folktale guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about The Snail Maiden and 田螺姑娘

What is 田螺姑娘 in English?

田螺姑娘 (Tiánluó Gūniang) is usually translated as “The Snail Maiden.” 田螺 is a freshwater or river snail, and 姑娘 means a young woman or maiden.

What is the story of The Snail Maiden?

A hardworking farmer brings home a large river snail. He later discovers that a maiden comes out of its shell to cook and clean while he is away. She explains that she came to help because of his kindness and hard work.

How do you pronounce 田螺姑娘?

田螺姑娘 is pronounced Tiánluó Gūniang. The title literally combines 田螺, “river snail,” with 姑娘, “maiden” or “young woman.”