栖 (qī) - to perch & to roost

栖Tone 1

qī ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

七器

栖 · qī

to perch;

to roost;

to dwell;

to inhabit;

a place to stay or rest

to perchto roostto dwell

Usage highlights

to perchdwelling placeto live in seclusionhabitatto find shelternest

Synonyms

  • 居— to reside; to dwell
  • 宿— to lodge; to stay overnight
  • 住— to live; to reside

Antonyms

  • 飞— to fly (antonym to perching)
  • 迁— to migrate; to move
  • 离— to leave; to depart

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The birds perch on the branches (鸟栖于枝).
  • He lives in seclusion in the mountains (他栖居山中).
  • Ancient people dwelled in caves (古人栖于洞穴).
  • We need to find a place to stay for the night (我们需要找个栖身之所).

Collocations

  • to perch(栖息)
  • dwelling place(栖所)
  • to live in seclusion(栖隐)
  • habitat(栖息地)
  • to find shelter(栖身)
  • nest(栖巢)

Idioms

  • To perch on a branch — to have a temporary resting place(栖枝)
  • Dwelling in caves and nests — primitive living conditions(穴居野栖)
  • To perch cautiously — being very careful and vigilant(栖栖遑遑)
  • Living in seclusion in mountains and forests — leading a reclusive life(栖遁山林)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In classical Chinese literature, 栖 often conveys a sense of tranquility, simplicity, and harmony with nature.
  • The character is frequently used in poetry to describe the dwelling places of recluses, scholars, and immortals.
  • It embodies the Daoist ideal of returning to nature and living a simple, unadorned life away from worldly affairs.

FAQ