蠆 (chài) - Scorpion — refers to venomous insects like scorpions & used metaphorically for venomous or harmful things.

蠆Tone 4

chài ｜ 18 strokes ｜ radical:

偲嫦

蠆 · chài

Scorpion — refers to venomous insects like scorpions and other poisonous creatures;

used metaphorically for venomous or harmful things.

Scorpion — refers to venomous insects like scorpionsused metaphorically for venomous or harmful things.

Usage highlights

Scorpion tailVenomous scorpionScorpion and snakeScorpion stingBee and scorpionScorpion's poison

Synonyms

  • 蝎— Scorpion (more common modern term)
  • 毒虫— Venomous insect

Antonyms

  • 良— Good, virtuous
  • 善— Kind, benevolent

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The scorpion (蝎子) is a venomous arachnid.
  • He was stung by a scorpion (被蝎子蜇了).
  • Ancient texts mention venomous creatures like scorpions (毒蠆).
  • Her words were as venomous as a scorpion's sting (如蠆有毒).

Collocations

  • Scorpion tail(蠆尾)
  • Venomous scorpion(毒蠆)
  • Scorpion and snake(蠆蛇)
  • Scorpion sting(蠆蜇)
  • Bee and scorpion(蜂蠆)
  • Scorpion's poison(蠆毒)

Idioms

  • The bee's sting and the scorpion's tail(蜂蠆有毒)
  • To harbor a heart like a scorpion(狼子野心，蠆尾其心)
  • As venomous as a scorpion(毒如蛇蠆)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In ancient Chinese culture, scorpions were considered one of the 'five poisonous creatures' (五毒) along with snakes, centipedes, toads, and lizards.
  • The character appears in classical texts like the Book of Songs where it symbolizes venom and harm.
  • Used metaphorically in literature to describe malicious people or harmful intentions.

FAQ