totem
word
Definition
A totem is an object, animal, or symbol that represents a family, group, or clan and often has spiritual or cultural meaning.
Usage & Nuances
Usually formal or academic; commonly used in anthropology, spiritual contexts, or to describe something symbolic for a group. Also used metaphorically for objects or ideas that represent a group's identity.
Spanish: tótemPortuguese (BR): tótemPortuguese (PT): tótemChinese (Simplified): 图腾Chinese (Traditional): 圖騰Hindi: टोटेमArabic: طوطمBengali: টোটেম - প্রতীক (পরিবার বা গোষ্ঠী-চিহ্ন)Russian: тотем - символ (рода или группы)Japanese: トーテム - 象徴（しるし）Vietnamese: bùa linh vật - vật tổKorean: 토템 - 상징(象徵)Turkish: totem - sembol (klan veya grup için)Urdu: ٹوتم - نمائندہ علامت (خاندان یا گروہ کی پہچان)Indonesian: toten - simbol (kelompok atau suku)
Example Sentences
The bear is a sacred totem for some Indigenous peoples.
basic
Each clan has its own totem to represent their group.
basic
For our team, the lion has become a sort of totem—it inspires us all.
natural
They carved a wooden totem for their ceremony.
basic
The company logo acts as a totem for its employees.
natural
He wears that old watch like it’s a personal totem.
natural