About
The character "翘" originated as a traditional form written as "翹", which combines the semantic component "羽" meaning feathers with the phonetic component "堯", later simplified to "尧", suggesting height or prominence. Its core etymological meaning relates to the action of raising or lifting up, specifically describing the raising of feathers or animal tails. Over time, this literal sense extended to more general applications for anything protruding or tilted upward. From this physical sense of elevation, the character developed a figurative meaning to denote something outstanding or distinguished, as if standing above the rest. The simplified form retains the "羽" component and uses "尧" as a simpler phonetic element.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他翘起了大拇指。
小猫翘起了尾巴。
我们翘首等待春天。
他昨天翘课去玩了。
木板的一端翘起来了。
她是班级里的翘楚。
观众们翘首以盼新电影上映。
经济指标翘尾因素值得关注。