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March 24, 2026
不翼而飞(不翼而飛)búyì’érfēi(bu2yi4er2fei1)
不翼而飞 is an idiom that means something has vanished without a trace or has disappeared suddenly and inexplicably. It can also describe information or news that spreads rapidly, akin to how something might fly away without wings.
Frequency#22864DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
This idiom reflects a common sentiment in Chinese culture about the unpredictable nature of life and information. It can often be heard in discussions about gossip or lost items, highlighting the importance of trust and communication in Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a bird that suddenly takes off into the sky without wings ('不翼'). Picture it vanishing in an instant ('而飞'), creating a vivid image of something disappearing suddenly. This image can help you remember both the meaning and the pronunciation.
Meanings of 不翼而飞
búyì’érfēi(bu2yi4er2fei1)
1to disappear without trace
2to vanish all of a sudden
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About 不翼而飞
不翼而飞Simplified
不翼而飛Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 不翼而飞
Podcast: 不翼而飞
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AI Study Notes for 不翼而飞
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a bird that suddenly takes off into the sky without wings ('不翼'). Picture it vanishing in an instant ('而飞'), creating a vivid image of something disappearing suddenly. This image can help you remember both the meaning and the pronunciation.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 不翼而飞 with similar phrases that describe disappearance in different contexts. This idiom is typically used in informal settings to discuss lost items or rapidly spreading rumors. Note that it can convey a sense of surprise and urgency.
HSK Study Tips
While 不翼而飞 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects well with other idioms and expressions about disappearance and speed. Students at higher levels should focus on understanding the imagery and context of idioms, as they enrich language proficiency.
Cultural Note
This idiom reflects a common sentiment in Chinese culture about the unpredictable nature of life and information. It can often be heard in discussions about gossip or lost items, highlighting the importance of trust and communication in Chinese society.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 不翼而飞 by applying it in overly formal contexts, where it may sound out of place. For example, saying '在会议上, 他的想法不翼而飞' is incorrect. Instead, use it in casual conversations about missing objects or rumors.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 不翼而飞
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Cultural Notes for 不翼而飞
🏮Cultural insight
This idiom reflects a common sentiment in Chinese culture about the unpredictable nature of life and information. It can often be heard in discussions about gossip or lost items, highlighting the importance of trust and communication in Chinese society.
Frequently Asked Questions about 不翼而飞
Yes, you can use it to describe a person disappearing suddenly, but it is more commonly used for objects or information.
It is generally used in informal contexts, such as conversations and storytelling.
Other idioms that convey similar meanings include 消失无踪 (to disappear without a trace) and 一去不复返 (to go away and not return).
