棲 (qī) - to perch & to roost

棲Tone 1

qī ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

七器

棲 · qī

to perch;

to roost;

to dwell;

to inhabit;

to stay temporarily;

refers to birds resting on branches or metaphorically to people/animals residing in a place.

to perchto roostto dwell

Usage highlights

to perchto dwelltemporary lodginghabitatto nestsecluded dwelling

Synonyms

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

Antonyms

  • 飞— to fly (antonym to the perching/resting sense)
  • 迁— to move; to migrate

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The birds perch on the branches (鸟在树枝上栖息).
  • He lives in seclusion in the mountains (他栖居在山中).
  • They found temporary lodging (他们找到了栖身之所).
  • The endangered species has a limited habitat (这种濒危物种的栖地有限).

Collocations

  • to perch(栖息)
  • to dwell(栖居)
  • temporary lodging(栖身)
  • habitat(栖地)
  • to nest(栖巢)
  • secluded dwelling(栖隐)

Idioms

  • Dwell in seclusion(栖隐山林)
  • Live in trees and caves(巢居穴栖)
  • Perch securely on a branch(一枝之栖)
  • Live in seclusion to cultivate virtue(栖神导气)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally depicted birds resting on trees, later extended to all forms of dwelling and temporary residence.
  • In classical poetry, often conveys a sense of tranquility, seclusion, or a simple, rustic life.
  • Used metaphorically for spiritual refuge or a state of mental peace (e.g., 栖神).

FAQ