鹰

鷹

yīng

䧹 + 鸟

HSK 3.0Level 7

Definitions

yīng (noun) eagle; falcon; hawk

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 鸟 represents the meaning and 䧹 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鷹.

Semantic: 鸟

About

The character 鹰 is a phonosemantic compound: the simplified bird radical 鸟 (from the traditional 鳥) conveys the general meaning, while 䧹 provides the sound. Within the phonetic component 䧹, the element 隹 depicts a short-tailed bird. The traditional form 鷹 retains the full 鳥 radical at the base. The character refers to birds of prey such as eagles, hawks, and falcons, recognized by their sharp talons, hooked beaks, and keen eyesight. Owing to their predatory nature, it is often used metaphorically to describe people with a fierce, hawkish demeanor, sharp intellect, or ruthless efficiency, particularly in military and political contexts.

Etymology Hide

Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

一只鹰在空中飞。

Yī zhī yīng zài kōng zhōng fēi.

An eagle is flying in the sky.

那只老鹰的翅膀真有力。

Nà zhī lǎoyīng de chìbǎng zhēn yǒulì.

That eagle's wings are really powerful.

鱼鹰是一种捕鱼能手。

Yúyīng shì yī zhǒng bǔ yú néngshǒu.

The osprey is a skilled fish hunter.

他敏锐的目光像鹰一样。

Tā mǐnruì de mùguāng xiàng yīng yíyàng.

His keen gaze is like that of an eagle.

这只鹰雕像做得栩栩如生。

Zhè zhī yīng diāoxiàng zuò dé xǔxǔrúshēng.

This eagle statue is made vividly lifelike.

秃鹰在高空盘旋寻找猎物。

Tūyīng zài gāokōng pánxuán xúnzhǎo lièwù.

The vulture circles high in the sky looking for prey.

军方派出鹰眼无人机侦察。

Jūnfāng pàichū yīngyǎn wúrénjī zhēnchá.

The military dispatched Eagle Eye drones for reconnaissance.

那位将军的鹰派作风在军中广为人知。

Nà wèi jiāngjūn de yīngpài zuòfēng zài jūn zhōng guǎng wéi rén zhī.

That general's hawkish style is widely known in the army.

Related Characters

Component: 䧹

Component: 鸟

鹰