鸣 (míng) - to chirp, sing, or cry (of birds, insects, & to sound

鸣Tone 2

míng ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 口

妙慕

鸣 · míng

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

);

to sound;

to express;

to make known.

to chirp, sing, or cry (of birds, insects,to soundto express

Usage highlights

bird songthunder rumblingcry of grievancesound the alarmexpress gratitudechirping of insects

Synonyms

  • 叫— to call, shout
  • 啼— to cry, crow
  • 唱— to sing

Antonyms

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

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The birds are singing (鸟鸣).
  • The alarm clock is ringing (闹钟鸣响).
  • He expressed his opinion (他鸣不平).
  • The cicadas are chirping (蝉鸣).

Collocations

  • bird song(鸟鸣)
  • thunder rumbling(雷鸣)
  • cry of grievance(鸣冤)
  • sound the alarm(鸣警)
  • express gratitude(鸣谢)
  • chirping of insects(虫鸣)

Idioms

  • A lone phoenix sings, a hundred birds follow(一鸣惊人)
  • Thunderous applause(掌声雷鸣)
  • The crane cries in the nine swamps(鹤鸣九皋)
  • The rooster crows, the dog steals(鸡鸣狗盗)
  • Resonating with the same feeling(同声相应，同气相求)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese culture, the chirping of birds is often associated with auspicious omens and natural harmony.
  • The character appears in many classical poems describing natural scenes and emotional expressions.
  • Used metaphorically to express one's opinions or grievances, as in 鸣不平 (to complain of unfairness).

FAQ