蟷 (dāng) - Praying mantis & specifically refers to the insect in compound words.

蟷Tone 1

dāng ｜ 19 strokes ｜ radical:

橙丁

蟷 · dāng

Praying mantis;

specifically refers to the insect in compound words.

Praying mantisspecifically refers to the insect in compound words.

Usage highlights

Praying mantisMantis shrimpMantisMantis forelimb

Synonyms

  • 螳螂— praying mantis (more common term)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • A praying mantis hunting (蟷螂捕食).
  • The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind (螳螂捕蝉，黄雀在后).
  • Observing mantis behavior (观察蟷螂行为).
  • The mantis uses its forelimbs to catch prey (蟷螂用前肢捕捉猎物).

Collocations

  • Praying mantis(蟷螂)
  • Mantis shrimp(虾蛄, though not directly related, sometimes confused)
  • Mantis-like(类蟷螂)
  • Mantis forelimb(蟷螂前肢)

Idioms

  • The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind(螳螂捕蝉，黄雀在后)
  • Mantis arm as a chariot's shaft — overestimating one's strength(螳臂当车)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The praying mantis is a common insect in Chinese culture, often symbolizing courage and determination.
  • It appears in idioms warning against shortsightedness or overestimating one's abilities.
  • In some traditions, the mantis is seen as a beneficial insect that preys on pests.

FAQ