梟 (xiāo) - Owl — a nocturnal bird of prey & also meaning fierce, brave, or cunning
梟 · xiāo
Owl — a nocturnal bird of prey;
also meaning fierce, brave, or cunning;
historically used to refer to bandits or rebels.
Owl — a nocturnal bird of preyalso meaning fierce, brave, or cunninghistorically used to refer to bandits or rebels.
Usage highlights
OwlFierce and ambitious heroRebel generalBandit chiefCunning and treacherousOwl's cry
Usage & contexts
Examples
- The owl hunts at night (猫头鹰).
- He was known for his枭雄 demeanor (fierce and ambitious hero).
- The枭将 led the rebel forces (rebel general).
- Ancient texts describe the枭 as a bird that eats its mother (枭鸟).
Collocations
- Owl(枭鸟)
- Fierce and ambitious hero(枭雄)
- Rebel general(枭将)
- Bandit chief(枭首)
- Cunning and treacherous(枭桀)
- Owl's cry(枭鸣)
Idioms
- Fierce and ambitious hero(枭雄)
- Owl's heart and leopard's tongue — vicious nature(枭心鹂舌)
- Owl stands alone — solitary and fierce(枭立独处)
Cultural background
FAQ- In Chinese culture, the owl is often associated with bad omens, death, or misfortune due to its nocturnal habits and eerie call.
- Historically, '枭' was used to describe bandits or rebels, and '枭首' referred to the practice of decapitation and display of heads as a warning.
- In some contexts, it can denote bravery or fierceness, as in '枭雄' (a fierce and ambitious hero or villain).