鳴 (míng) - To chirp, sing, or cry (of birds, insects, & to sound, ring, or resonate

鳴Tone 2

míng ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

妙慕

鳴 · míng

To chirp, sing, or cry (of birds, insects, etc.

);

to sound, ring, or resonate;

to express or voice (opinions, feelings).

To chirp, sing, or cry (of birds, insects,to sound, ring, or resonateto express or voice (opinions, feelings).

Usage highlights

Chirping of birdsCicada's songSound the alarmExpress gratitudeThunder rumblesDeer cry

Synonyms

  • 叫— to call, shout, cry (general term for vocalization)
  • 啼— to crow, cry (especially of birds, often poetic)

Antonyms

  • 默— silent, quiet
  • 静— still, quiet

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The birds are chirping in the morning (鸟在鸣叫).
  • The alarm clock is ringing (闹钟在鸣响).
  • He expressed his gratitude publicly (他公开鸣谢).
  • The cicadas are singing in the summer (蝉在鸣).

Collocations

  • Chirping of birds(鸟鸣)
  • Cicada's song(蝉鸣)
  • Sound the alarm(鸣警)
  • Express gratitude(鸣谢)
  • Thunder rumbles(雷鸣)
  • Deer cry(鹿鸣)

Idioms

  • A single cry brings startling results(一鸣惊人)
  • Deer cry and call for friends(鹿鸣呼友)
  • The phoenix sings and the crane dances(凤鸣鹤舞)
  • Thunderous applause(掌声雷鸣)
  • The lone phoenix cries(孤凤鸣)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In classical Chinese poetry, bird songs (especially the phoenix's cry) often symbolize auspicious omens or noble sentiments.
  • The idiom 一鸣惊人 (yī míng jīng rén) originates from ancient historical records, describing someone who achieves sudden remarkable success after long preparation.
  • The character combines 'bird' (鸟) and 'mouth' (口), visually representing a bird opening its beak to sing.

FAQ