Why do the Chinese call giant panda big bear cat?

The Chinese don't actually call giant pandas "big bear cat". That's a misunderstanding based on a literal translation of the Chinese name for giant pandas, 大熊猫 (Dà Xióngmāo).

Here's a breakdown:

* 大 (Dà) means "big" or "large"

* 熊 (Xióng) means "bear"

* 猫 (Māo) means "cat"

Therefore, the literal translation of 大熊猫 (Dà Xióngmāo) would be "big bear cat". However, the Chinese name is not intended to describe a creature that is part bear and part cat. It's simply a descriptive name that highlights the animal's size and its resemblance to both bears and cats in some ways.

Giant pandas share some physical characteristics with bears, such as their size, rounded ears, and black and white coloration. However, they also have features that resemble cats, such as their round head, short muzzle, and agile movements.

So, while the literal translation may be "big bear cat", the Chinese name 大熊猫 (Dà Xióngmāo) simply describes the giant panda's unique appearance and characteristics.