蝉 (chán) - Cicada — an insect known for its loud, & symbol of immortality, rebirth, and purity in Chinese
蝉 · chán
Cicada — an insect known for its loud, persistent chirping in summer;
symbol of immortality, rebirth, and purity in Chinese culture due to its life cycle of molting.
Cicada — an insect known for its loud,symbol of immortality, rebirth, and purity in Chinese
Usage highlights
Cicada chirpingCicada shellGolden cicadaCicada wingsAutumn cicadaCicada noise
Synonyms
- 知了— Cicada (common name)
Usage & contexts
Examples
- The cicada's chirp filled the summer air (蝉鸣).
- A cicada shell is used in traditional medicine (蝉蜕).
- The golden cicada shedding its shell is a classic metaphor (金蝉脱壳).
- She wore a jade cicada pendant (玉蝉).
Collocations
- Cicada chirping(蝉鸣)
- Cicada shell(蝉蜕)
- Golden cicada(金蝉)
- Cicada wings(蝉翼)
- Autumn cicada(秋蝉)
- Cicada noise(蝉噪)
Idioms
- Golden cicada shedding its shell — a crafty escape(金蝉脱壳)
- Like a cicada clinging to a withered tree — barely holding on(寒蝉僵鸟)
- Cicada's stomach and turtle's intestine — describing extreme hunger(蝉腹龟肠)
- Self-aware like the autumn cicada — knowing one's limits(蝉不知雪)
Cultural background
FAQ- In Chinese culture, cicadas symbolize resurrection and eternal life due to their molting process.
- Jade cicadas were placed in the mouths of the deceased during the Han dynasty to ensure immortality.
- Cicadas represent purity and high virtue because they subsist only on dew.
- The insect is a common motif in classical poetry, often evoking summer or transience.