鹯 (zhān) - A type of hawk or falcon & specifically refers to sparrowhawks or similar birds of

鹯Tone 1

zhān ｜ 18 strokes ｜ radical:

悦丈

鹯 · zhān

A type of hawk or falcon;

specifically refers to sparrowhawks or similar birds of prey in Chinese ornithology.

A type of hawk or falconspecifically refers to sparrowhawks or similar birds of

Usage highlights

SparrowhawkFierce as a hawkHawk's eyeHawk and sparrowHawk's beakHawk's claw

Synonyms

  • 鹰— eagle; hawk (broader term for birds of prey)
  • 隼— falcon (another type of bird of prey)

Antonyms

  • 雀— sparrow (common prey of the 鹯)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The sparrowhawk (鹯) is a bird of prey.
  • He observed a hawk (鹯) hunting in the field.
  • Ancient texts mention the 鹯 as a fierce bird.
  • The 鹯 is known for its sharp vision and swift flight.

Collocations

  • Sparrowhawk(鹯鸟)
  • Fierce as a hawk(如鹯之猛)
  • Hawk's eye(鹯目)
  • Hawk and sparrow(鹯雀)
  • Hawk's beak(鹯喙)
  • Hawk's claw(鹯爪)

Idioms

  • The hawk chases the sparrow(鹯追雀)
  • As fierce as a hawk(猛如鹯)
  • Hawk's eye and eagle's gaze(鹯目鹰睨)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In classical Chinese literature, the 鹯 often symbolizes ferocity, speed, and predatory power.
  • It appears in ancient texts and poetry as a metaphor for swift justice or ruthless pursuit.
  • The character is rare in modern usage but retains its ornithological and literary significance.

FAQ