Definitions
(noun)
birds and animals; birds
(verb)
to capture; to catch
About
The character 禽 originated as a pictograph representing a type of net or a handled tool used for trapping, which logically extended its meaning to denote the act of capturing. Over time, its semantic focus shifted from the action to the object of that action, coming to signify the captured animals themselves, specifically birds, which became its primary and enduring meaning. In its traditional form, the character is composed of two parts: the top component 今 primarily provides phonetic clues, while the lower component, historically written as 禸, suggests an association with animals or footprints. This specialization into "bird" or "fowl" is further reflected in its role as a semantic component in other characters, such as 擒 (to capture), which revives the original verbal meaning, and 噙 (to hold in the mouth), showcasing its conceptual adaptability.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
农场里有很多家禽。
我们需要注意禽流感。
禽肉是蛋白质的好来源。
这种禽类的羽毛很漂亮。
这个区域是候鸟等禽类的栖息地。
野生禽类对维持生态平衡很重要。
动物园新增了一个珍稀禽类展区。
研究人员正在监测这种禽鸟的迁徙路线。