飖 (yáo) - Fluttering, drifting, waving — describes the gentle, floating

飖Tone 2

yáo ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

嬿一

飖 · yáo

Fluttering, drifting, waving — describes the gentle, floating movement of objects in the air, such as flags, ribbons, or falling petals.

Fluttering, drifting, waving — describes the gentle, floating

Usage highlights

Fluttering and driftingFluttering in the windFluttering sleevesFluttering danceFluttering fallen flowersFluttering and uncertain

Synonyms

  • 飘— to float, to flutter
  • 扬— to rise, to flutter
  • 舞— to dance, to flutter

Antonyms

  • 定— stable, fixed
  • 静— still, motionless

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The flag fluttered in the wind (旗帜在风中飘飖).
  • Willow catkins drift gently in the air (柳絮在空中飘飖).
  • Her long sleeves waved gracefully as she danced (长袖在舞蹈中飘飖).
  • Falling petals fluttered down from the tree (落花从树上飘飖而下).

Collocations

  • Fluttering and drifting(飘飖)
  • Fluttering in the wind(随风飘飖)
  • Fluttering sleeves(飘飖的衣袖)
  • Fluttering dance(飘飖的舞姿)
  • Fluttering fallen flowers(飘飖的落花)
  • Fluttering and uncertain(飘飖不定)

Idioms

  • Fluttering like an immortal(飘飖若仙)
  • Fluttering and uncertain(飘飖不定)
  • Fluttering in the wind(随风飘飖)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Often used in classical Chinese poetry to describe elegant, graceful movements, particularly in dance or natural scenes.
  • Carries connotations of ethereal beauty and delicate motion, frequently associated with celestial beings or refined artistry.
  • Commonly appears in descriptions of traditional Chinese dance and flowing garments.

FAQ