鴞 (xiāo) - Owl — refers to various species of owls, & often associated with ominous or nocturnal symbolism.

鴞Tone 1

xiāo ｜ 16 strokes ｜ radical:

想信

鴞 · xiāo

Owl — refers to various species of owls, particularly in classical Chinese texts;

often associated with ominous or nocturnal symbolism.

Owl — refers to various species of owls,often associated with ominous or nocturnal symbolism.

Usage highlights

Owl's callOwl's eyesFierce owlOwl in the nightOwl's cryOwl feather

Synonyms

  • 貓頭鷹— owl (modern common term)
  • 梟— owl (alternative classical character)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The owl is a nocturnal bird of prey (鴞 is a nocturnal bird).
  • Ancient texts mention the owl's call (鴞鳴).
  • Some owl species are protected (保護貓頭鷹).
  • The owl appears in classical poetry (詩經中的鴞).

Collocations

  • Owl's call(鴞鳴)
  • Owl's eyes(鴞目)
  • Fierce owl(鴞張)
  • Owl in the night(夜鴞)
  • Owl's cry(鴞啼)
  • Owl feather(鴞羽)

Idioms

  • The owl cries and the rat dances(鴞啼鼠舞)
  • Owl's heart and leopard's language(鴞心鸝舌)
  • The owl shrieks on the roof(鴞鳴屋上)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese culture, the owl was often considered an ominous bird associated with bad luck or death.
  • The owl appears in the Classic of Poetry (詩經) as a symbol of destruction or warning.
  • In some regional folk beliefs, the owl's call was thought to predict death or misfortune.

FAQ