About
The character "啄" is structured from the radical for mouth, "口", combined with the component "豖", which depicts a pig with a severed foot, a graphic element that contributes a sense of a downward chopping or striking action. This composition effectively creates a pictophonetic character where the meaning is tied to the mouth and the sound and conceptual action are suggested by the other component. Its core meaning has always been to peck, specifically describing the way a bird uses its beak to strike or pick at something. While this primary definition remains unchanged, its application has broadened beyond literal bird behavior to describe any similar repetitive, pointed action, such as a woodpecker hammering at tree bark or even metaphorically for persistent, nagging criticism.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
啄木鸟在树上啄虫子。
小鸡在地上啄米。
鸟儿啄食树上的果实。
公鸡用嘴啄地上的种子。
我看到一只鸟在啄窗户。
啄木鸟不停地啄树皮，寻找昆虫。
如果鸟儿饿了，它们会啄食任何可吃的东西。
那只受伤的鸽子只能用一只脚站立，勉强啄食。