翅膀

• Pinyin: chì bǎng
• Hanzi breakdown: 翅 = 支 (branch) + 羽 (feather) = wing; 膀 = 月 (flesh) + 旁 (side) = arm/wing

Meaning

Wing; wings. The appendages used by birds and insects for flying.

Used literally for bird/insect wings and metaphorically for freedom, dreams, or the ability to soar. Common in poetry and inspirational contexts.

Examples

1. 小鸟的翅膀受伤了，飞不起来。 The little bird's wing was injured and it couldn't fly.
2. 如果我有一双翅膀，我想飞遍全世界。 If I had a pair of wings, I would want to fly all over the world.
3. 梦想就像翅膀，带我们飞向远方。 Dreams are like wings, carrying us to distant places.

Usage Guide

Context: nature, metaphor, dreams

Tone: poetic

Do Say

• 这只蝴蝶的翅膀颜色真漂亮。(The colors on this butterfly's wings are really beautiful.)
• 音乐给了我飞翔的翅膀。(Music gave me wings to fly.)

Don't Say

• 飞机的翅膀 (For aircraft, use 机翼 instead of 翅膀)

Origin & History

Compound of 翅 (wing) and 膀 (upper arm/wing). Both relate to limbs used for flight or movement.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal