About
The character "燕" began as a pictographic depiction of a swallow, with its structure capturing the bird's distinctive forked tail and outstretched wings in a stylized manner that has persisted through its history. Etymologically, it has always been associated with the swallow, but its application broadened to designate the ancient state of Yan, a usage likely derived from a phonetic loan or a symbolic link to the region. This shift from a purely zoological reference to a geopolitical one demonstrates how the character acquired additional layers of meaning while its fundamental composition, representing the bird's form, remained consistent over time.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
燕子飞回来了。
她喜欢吃燕窝。
早餐我吃了燕麦。
他穿着黑色的燕尾服。
燕京是北京的旧称。
燕山位于华北地区。
燕子们在屋檐下筑巢。
燕窝汤是一种珍贵的补品。