鸱 (chī) - Owl — refers specifically to owls in classical & also used in historical terms for certain birds

鸱Tone 1

chī ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

橙丁

鸱 · chī

Owl — refers specifically to owls in classical Chinese;

also used in historical terms for certain birds of prey.

Owl — refers specifically to owls in classicalalso used in historical terms for certain birds

Usage highlights

OwlScreech owlOwl hootOwl as ill omen

Synonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The owl is considered an ill omen in some traditions (鸱鸮).
  • Ancient texts mention the owl's nocturnal habits (鸱 night calls).
  • Some bronze vessels had owl-shaped decorations (鸱鸺纹).

Collocations

  • Owl(鸱鸮)
  • Owl-shaped(鸱形)
  • Screech owl(鸱鸺)
  • Owl hoot(鸱鸣)
  • Owl as ill omen(鸱兆)

Idioms

  • The owl and the dove cannot coexist(鸱鸮鸣而凤凰去)
  • Owl's cry foretelling misfortune(鸱鸮夜鸣)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese culture, the owl was often viewed as an ill omen or harbinger of death.
  • Owls appear in classical texts like the Book of Songs as symbols of foreboding.
  • Some ancient artifacts feature owl motifs, showing complex cultural attitudes.

FAQ