翩 (piān) - Elegantly and lightly fluttering & gracefully flying

翩Tone 1

piān ｜ 15 strokes ｜ radical:

柠七

翩 · piān

Elegantly and lightly fluttering;

gracefully flying;

swiftly moving.

Elegantly and lightly flutteringgracefully flyingswiftly moving.

Usage highlights

Fluttering danceElegant and gracefulFluttering and flyingGracefully descendingFluttering sleevesElegant young master

Synonyms

  • 飘— to float, to flutter
  • 翔— to soar, to glide
  • 逸— leisurely, escaping (implying effortless grace)

Antonyms

  • 拙— clumsy, awkward
  • 钝— dull, blunt
  • 沉— heavy, sinking

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The butterfly fluttered gracefully (翩翩起舞).
  • He is a handsome and elegant young man (风度翩翩).
  • The leaves fell fluttering to the ground (翩然落下).
  • A piece of writing with elegant style (文采翩然).

Collocations

  • Fluttering dance(翩舞)
  • Elegant and graceful(翩翩)
  • Fluttering and flying(翩飞)
  • Gracefully descending(翩然)
  • Fluttering sleeves(翩袖)
  • Elegant young master(翩公子)

Idioms

  • Dancing gracefully(翩翩起舞)
  • Elegant in manner(风度翩翩)
  • Fluttering like a startled swan(翩若惊鸿)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Often used in classical literature to describe elegant, light, and effortless movement.
  • Strongly associated with positive aesthetics like grace, refinement, and unburdened beauty.
  • Commonly used to describe the idealized appearance and demeanor of a talented, handsome scholar.

FAQ