翅 (chì) - wing — refers to the wings of birds, & also used metaphorically for wing-like structures or appendages.

翅Tone 4

chì ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical: 羽

橙丁

翅 · chì

wing — refers to the wings of birds, insects, or aircraft;

also used metaphorically for wing-like structures or appendages.

wing — refers to the wings of birds,also used metaphorically for wing-like structures or appendages.

Usage highlights

wingsshark finwingedwing shapewing featherswing membrane

Synonyms

  • 翼— wing (more formal/literary)

Antonyms

  • 足— foot/leg (ground-based locomotion vs. flight)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The bird spread its wings (翅膀) and flew away.
  • Butterfly wings (蝶翅) are often colorful.
  • The airplane's wings (机翼) provide lift.
  • Shark fin soup uses shark fins (鱼翅).

Collocations

  • wings(翅膀)
  • shark fin(鱼翅)
  • winged(有翅的)
  • wing shape(翅形)
  • wing feathers(翅羽)
  • wing membrane(翅膜)

Idioms

  • To add wings to a tiger(如虎添翅)
  • To spread wings and soar(展翅高飞)
  • To have wings but cannot fly(有翅难飞)
  • To fold wings and hide claws(敛翅藏爪)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese culture, wings symbolize freedom, aspiration, and the ability to rise above circumstances.
  • Shark fin (鱼翅) has been a prestigious ingredient in Chinese banquet cuisine, though its consumption is controversial due to sustainability concerns.
  • The character appears in many poetic expressions about birds and flight, representing lofty ambitions.

FAQ