小
鸟

About

The word "小鸟" is formed by combining two distinct characters: "小", which pictorially represents something small through three short strokes, and "鸟", a stylized pictograph that originally depicted a bird with a head, body, and tail. When placed together, "小" modifies "鸟" to create a composite concept where the first character descriptively qualifies the second, resulting in the meaning "small bird". This process exemplifies a fundamental method in Chinese word formation where meaningful units are joined to convey a new, specific idea through their inherent pictorial and conceptual associations.

Example Sentences Hide

小鸟在树上休息。

Xiǎo niǎo zài shù shàng xiū xi.

The small bird is resting on the tree.

清晨，小鸟开始唱歌。

Qīng chén, xiǎo niǎo kāi shǐ chàng gē.

In the morning, the small birds begin to sing.

孩子们喜欢观察小鸟的行为。

Hái zi men xǐ huān guān chá xiǎo niǎo de xíng wéi.

Children enjoy observing the behavior of small birds.

那只小鸟有着鲜艳的羽毛和悦耳的叫声。

Nà zhī xiǎo niǎo yǒu zhe xiān yàn de yǔ máo hé yuè ěr de jiào shēng.

That small bird has bright feathers and a pleasant call.

当春天来临时，小鸟们从南方飞回北方筑巢。

Dāng chūn tiān lái lín shí, xiǎo niǎo men cóng nán fāng fēi huí běi fāng zhù cháo.

When spring arrives, the small birds fly back from the south to the north to build nests.

Word Definition - 小鸟

xiǎo niǎo small bird; young bird (hatchling, nestling, fledgling, chick); (fig.) penis (kiddie term); (golf) birdie

Individual Character Details

小 xiǎo
鸟 diǎo, niǎo