鹫 (jiù) - Vulture — a large bird of prey & specifically refers to Old World vultures

鹫Tone 4

jiù ｜ 17 strokes ｜ radical:

傑君

鹫 · jiù

Vulture — a large bird of prey;

specifically refers to Old World vultures;

also used metaphorically for predatory or scavenging characteristics.

Vulture — a large bird of preyspecifically refers to Old World vulturesalso used metaphorically for predatory or scavenging characteristics.

Usage highlights

CondorVulture eagleVulture's beakVulture's clawVulture's nestGolden eagle

Synonyms

  • 雕— eagle (similar large bird of prey)
  • 鹰— hawk/eagle (general bird of prey)
  • 兀鹫— griffon vulture (specific vulture type)

Antonyms

  • 鸽— dove (symbol of peace vs. predation)
  • 雀— sparrow (small, harmless bird)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The vulture (鹫) circled high in the sky.
  • We saw a Himalayan vulture (高山兀鹫) during our trek.
  • The eagle and vulture (鹰鹫) are both birds of prey.
  • He has a vulture-like gaze (鹫一般的眼神).

Collocations

  • Condor(神鹫)
  • Vulture eagle(鹫雕)
  • Vulture's beak(鹫喙)
  • Vulture's claw(鹫爪)
  • Vulture's nest(鹫巢)
  • Golden eagle(金雕鹫)

Idioms

  • Eagle stare and vulture gaze(鹰瞵鹗视)
  • Vulture spirit and eagle ambition(鹫魂鹰志)
  • Like vultures fighting over prey(如鹫争食)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Buddhist culture, the vulture is associated with sacred sites, particularly Vulture Peak (灵鹫山) where Buddha delivered important teachings.
  • In Chinese symbolism, vultures represent power, predation, and scavenging, often with negative connotations of greed or opportunism.
  • The character combines 'bird' (鸟) with '就' (jiù), suggesting a bird that 'settles' or 'perches' in high places.

FAQ