Meaning
雕 has two main meanings: as a verb, it means to carve or engrave materials like wood, stone, or metal into artistic forms. As a noun, it refers to large birds of prey, particularly eagles and vultures. The character combines 周 (zhōu, circuit) and 隹 (zhuī, bird), originally depicting a large bird.
Usage
As a verb, 雕 is commonly used in artistic and craft contexts, often appearing in compounds like 雕刻 (diāokè, to carve/engrave) or 雕塑 (diāosù, sculpture). The noun meaning for birds is more literary and appears in nature documentaries or formal writing. In everyday speech, the verb form is more common than the standalone noun.
Examples
- 01这个木雕是我爷爷亲手雕刻的。.This wood carving was carved by my grandfather's own hands.
- 02天空中飞过一只雕，翅膀展开很壮观。, .An eagle flew across the sky with its wings spread magnificently.
Measure words
- 只一只雕
- 座一座雕塑
Common collocations
- 雕刻艺术carving art
- 雕花carved patterns
- 木雕wood carving
- 精雕细刻meticulously carved (idiom)
Origin
The character originally depicted a large bird of prey, combining the bird radical 隹 with 周. The carving meaning likely derives from the precision and artistry associated with depicting such majestic birds.