Meanings of 燕子
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Podcast: 燕子
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AI Study Notes for 燕子
燕雀 (yànquè) - use 燕子 (swallow) for its specific cultural significance and grace, while 燕雀 refers to a smaller, less elegant bird.
燕子 is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, often in discussions about nature or seasonal changes. Be careful with the tones; saying 'yan3 zi5' instead of 'yan4 zi5' can change the meaning completely. Common collocations include '燕子飞来' (swallows fly in).
Although 燕子 is not in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to HSK 3 and 4 themes related to nature and animals. Focus on the character components to help recognize similar bird-related characters.
Learners often confuse 燕子 with similar-sounding words like 燕 (yàn), which means 'swallow' in a more general sense without the 'zi' suffix. Remember that 燕子 refers specifically to the bird in a more familiar or diminutive way.
Pronunciation of 燕子
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Component Characters
How to say swallow in Chinese
“swallow” in Chinese is燕子
燕子 (yànzi) refers to a type of small bird known as a swallow, often recognized for its graceful flight and distinctive forked tail. In Chinese culture, swallows are symbols of good luck and the arrival of spring, making them a common motif in poetry and art.
When to use 燕子
燕子 is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, often in discussions about nature or seasonal changes. Be careful with the tones; saying 'yan3 zi5' instead of 'yan4 zi5' can change the meaning completely. Common collocations include '燕子飞来' (swallows fly in).
燕子 or something close to it
燕雀 (yànquè) - use 燕子 (swallow) for its specific cultural significance and grace, while 燕雀 refers to a smaller, less elegant bird.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 燕子 with similar-sounding words like 燕 (yàn), which means 'swallow' in a more general sense without the 'zi' suffix. Remember that 燕子 refers specifically to the bird in a more familiar or diminutive way.
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Frequently Asked Questions about 燕子
Swallows are seen as symbols of good luck and the arrival of spring, often associated with renewal and prosperity.
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