鴟 (chī) - owl & kite (bird of prey)

鴟Tone 1

chī ｜ 16 strokes ｜ radical:

橙丁

鴟 · chī

owl;

kite (bird of prey);

in classical texts, refers to a type of hawk or owl, often with negative connotations.

owlkite (bird of prey)in classical texts, refers to a type of

Usage highlights

owlkiteowl callowl perched on roofowl and rat

Synonyms

  • 鴞— owl (general term)
  • 梟— owl (often with negative connotation)

Antonyms

  • 鳳— phoenix (auspicious bird)
  • 鸞— mythical bird (auspicious)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The owl (鴟鴞) is considered an ominous bird in some cultures.
  • He drew a kite (紙鴟) flying in the sky.
  • The ancient text mentions a bird of prey called chi (鴟).

Collocations

  • owl(鴟鴞)
  • kite (bird)(紙鴟)
  • owl-like(鴟目)
  • owl call(鴟嘯)
  • owl perched on roof(鴟蹲)
  • owl and rat(鴟鼠)

Idioms

  • The owl catches the chick(鴟得腐鼠)
  • Owl head and mouse eyes(鴟目虎吻)
  • Owl stands on roof(鴟蹲)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese culture, the owl is often viewed as an inauspicious bird, associated with darkness and death.
  • The character appears in classical texts like Zhuangzi, where it symbolizes something lowly or ominous.
  • The owl's call was believed to portend misfortune or death in folk belief.

FAQ