蛰 (zhé) - to hibernate & to lie dormant

蛰Tone 2

zhé ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

丈志

蛰 · zhé

to hibernate;

to lie dormant;

to hide away;

refers to the state of animals hibernating or people living in seclusion.

to hibernateto lie dormantto hide away

Usage highlights

hibernationlive in seclusionawakening of insectshibernating insectdormant periodhidden dragon

Synonyms

  • 伏— to lie prostrate; to hide
  • 藏— to hide; to conceal
  • 隐— to conceal; to hide

Antonyms

  • 醒— to wake up; to be awake
  • 动— to move; to be active
  • 出— to come out; to emerge

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The bear hibernates in winter (熊在冬天蛰伏).
  • Insects awaken from hibernation in spring (昆虫在春天惊蛰).
  • He lived in seclusion for many years (他蛰居多年).
  • Snakes enter hibernation (蛇进入蛰眠状态).

Collocations

  • hibernation(蛰伏)
  • live in seclusion(蛰居)
  • awakening of insects(惊蛰)
  • hibernating insect(蛰虫)
  • dormant period(蛰藏)
  • hidden dragon(蛰龙)

Idioms

  • The hidden dragon awaits its time(潜龙蛰伏)
  • Awakening from hibernation(惊蛰而起)
  • Living in seclusion with lofty ideals(蛰居养志)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • 惊蛰 (Jīngzhé) is one of the 24 solar terms in the Chinese calendar, marking when hibernating insects awaken.
  • In traditional Chinese culture, '蛰' often symbolizes temporary withdrawal or preparation for future action.
  • The character appears in classical texts describing the natural cycles of animals and metaphorical retreat of scholars.

FAQ