蚸 (lì) - A type of small insect, specifically referring to & often used in classical Chinese texts.

蚸Tone 4

lì ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

蚸 · lì

A type of small insect, specifically referring to a mayfly or ephemera;

often used in classical Chinese texts.

A type of small insect, specifically referring tooften used in classical Chinese texts.

Usage highlights

MayflyEphemeraInsect categoryAncient insect nameSmall flying insect

Synonyms

  • 蜉— mayfly (similar insect)
  • 蝣— ephemera (another term for mayfly)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The ephemera's life is brief (蚸蜉之命).
  • Ancient texts mention the mayfly (古书中的蚸).
  • He studied insects including mayflies (他研究包括蚸在内的昆虫).

Collocations

  • Mayfly(蚸蜉)
  • Ephemera(蚸虫)
  • Insect category(蚸类)
  • Ancient insect name(古蚸)
  • Small flying insect(飞蚸)

Idioms

  • The mayfly shakes the tree(蚸蜉撼树)
  • Ephemeral life of mayfly(蚸蜉之命)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In classical Chinese literature, mayflies symbolize transience and the brevity of life.
  • The character appears in ancient texts describing insects and natural phenomena.
  • Mayflies were observed for their short lifespan, often used metaphorically in poetry.

FAQ