蜉 (fú) - Mayfly — refers to the ephemeral insect & metaphorically used to describe something transient, short-lived, or

蜉Tone 2

fú ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

枫惠

蜉 · fú

Mayfly — refers to the ephemeral insect;

metaphorically used to describe something transient, short-lived, or insignificant.

Mayfly — refers to the ephemeral insectmetaphorically used to describe something transient, short-lived, or

Usage highlights

MayflyMayfly's wingsFleeting as a mayflyEphemeral mayflyMayfly shakes the tree

Synonyms

  • 蜉蝣— Mayfly (full term)
  • 浮游— Floating/wandering (homophone, sometimes used interchangeably)

Antonyms

  • 龟— Turtle (symbol of longevity)
  • 松— Pine tree (symbol of endurance)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The mayfly (蜉蝣) has a very short lifespan.
  • He felt his life was as fleeting as a mayfly's (蜉蝣般短暂).
  • Ancient texts mention the mayfly (蜉蝣) as a symbol of transience.
  • Don't waste time on mayfly-like pleasures (蜉蝣般的享乐).

Collocations

  • Mayfly(蜉蝣)
  • Mayfly's wings(蜉蝣之羽)
  • Fleeting as a mayfly(蜉蝣一世)
  • Mayfly-like existence(蜉蝣人生)
  • Ephemeral mayfly(朝生暮死的蜉蝣)
  • Mayfly shakes the tree(蜉蝣撼树)

Idioms

  • The mayfly shakes the tree — overestimating one's strength(蜉蝣撼树)
  • Mayfly's lifetime — extremely brief existence(蜉蝣一世)
  • The mayfly dries its wings — preparing briefly for flight(蜉蝣掘阅)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese culture, the mayfly symbolizes the brevity and fragility of life.
  • Classical literature (e.g., Book of Songs) uses the mayfly as a metaphor for transient existence.
  • Often contrasted with long-lived creatures like turtles or pines to emphasize life's shortness.

FAQ