翔

xiáng

羊 + 羽

Definitions

xiáng (verb) to soar; to glide

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 羽 represents the meaning and 羊 represents the sound.

Semantic: 羽 Phonetic: 羊

About

A phonosemantic compound, 翔 fuses the semantic component 羽 (feathers), which signals a link to birds and flight, with the phonetic element 羊 (yáng). Originally, it described birds circling aloft with wings outspread, setting it apart from characters for rapid flapping. The meaning later expanded to include general flight and hovering, and acquired auspicious nuances of success and smooth progress. In some classical works, it was borrowed as a loan for 'look back' or 'review,' yet its primary modern meaning is elegant soaring.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

小鸟在天空飞翔。

Xiǎo niǎo zài tiānkōng fēixiáng.

Little birds are flying in the sky.

翔翔是个好名字。

Xiángxiáng shì gè hǎo míngzì.

Xiangxiang is a good name.

他提供了翔实的资料。

Tā tígōngle xiángshí de zīliào.

He provided detailed and accurate information.

纪录片内容翔实可信。

Jìlùpiàn nèiróng xiángshí kěxìn.

The documentary's content is detailed and credible.

风筝在风中自由翔舞。

Fēngzheng zài fēng zhōng zìyóu xiángwǔ.

The kite is dancing freely in the wind.

科学家翔实记录了实验数据。

Kēxuéjiā xiángshí jìlùle shíyàn shùjù.

The scientist recorded the experimental data in detail.

这位记者报道新闻力求翔实。

Zhè wèi jìzhě bàodào xīnwén lìqiú xiángshí.

This journalist strives for accuracy in news reporting.

在虚拟现实中，我们可以翔游于古代城市。

Zài xūnǐ xiànshí zhōng, wǒmen kěyǐ xiáng yóu yú gǔdài chéngshì.

In virtual reality, we can soar and tour ancient cities.

Related Characters

Component: 羊

Component: 羽

翔