About
The traditional form 棲 is a phonosemantic compound: the tree radical 木 (mù) carries the meaning, while 妻 (qī) provides the sound. In the simplified 栖, the phonetic 妻 is replaced by 西 (xī), leaving the tree radical intact on the left. The original meaning was birds landing or roosting in trees, and later the character came to refer to human dwellings and temporary lodging, as well as the general act of inhabiting or residing somewhere. The 木 radical continues to suggest the idea of settling or resting in a physical place.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
鸟儿栖息在树枝上。
许多动物栖息在这片森林里。
他为一家公司提供栖身之所。
青蛙是典型的两栖动物。
战争迫使难民四处栖居。
这个山洞曾是古人的栖居地。
保护区是野生动物的重要栖息地。
他过着一种栖栖遑遑、居无定所的生活。
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