雀 (qiāo) — sparrow (bound form)

Definition

A bound form, not used alone — it always appears as part of a compound like 麻雀 (máquè, 'sparrow').

bound form
sparrow (bound form)
Easily confused

Examples

  • 。
    Wǒ kàn jiàn yì zhī má qiāo.
    I saw a sparrow.
  • 。
    Má qiāo zài shù shàng chī chóng.
    The sparrow is eating insects on the tree.
  • 。
    Hái zi men xǐ huan kàn má qiāo.
    Children like to watch sparrows.

Origin

Compound ideograph
六书liùshū
会意huìyì

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

雀 combines 小 (small) and 隹 (bird), showing a small bird, a sparrow.

Appears in
Birds

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