麻雀
máquè
The English word "sparrow" is translated into Chinese as 麻雀 (máquè).
麻雀 is used generically to refer to any small, nondescript bird.
Meaning: generically, any small, nondescript bird (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 麻雀 is the standard term, you might use 雀类 when referring more formally to the sparrow family or sparrow-like birds. To emphasize the small size of the bird or to add a touch of endearment, you can use 小麻雀.
How do you pronounce it?
máquè
Did you know?
- During the 'Great Sparrow Campaign' of the late 1950s, the Chinese government encouraged citizens to kill every 麻雀 to protect grain crops. This led to an ecological disaster as insect populations exploded without the birds to eat them.
- In Chinese culture, the term 麻雀 is often used in the idiom 麻雀虽小，五脏俱全 to describe something small that nonetheless possesses all the essential components of a larger version.
- The character 麻 in 麻雀 refers to 'hemp' or 'coarse/rough', suggesting that the bird's appearance or texture is perceived as somewhat plain or unrefined.
Examples in context
- 麻雀正在树上唱歌。The sparrow is singing in the trees.This sentence shows the sparrow in a natural setting.Tatoeba #8744816 by slo_oth, translation #8743000 by Solana
- 瞄準麻雀, 擊中鵝。I aimed at a sparrow, but shot down a goose.This sentence uses the word 麻雀 to demonstrate a contrast in a target.Tatoeba #2166047 by sadhen, translation #2169009 by FeuDRenais2
- 在中国，麻雀是常见的小鸟之一。In China, sparrows are one of the common small birds.
- 这座公园里有好多麻雀儿。There are many sparrows in this park.
- 那只麻雀非常可爱。Nà zhī máquè fēicháng kě'ài.That sparrow is very cute.
Example conversation
A man and a woman are walking in a park.
- 雨婷 Yuting浩然，你看那只麻雀！Hàorán, nǐ kàn nà zhī máquè!Haoran, look at that sparrow!
- 浩然 Haoran它飞得真快。Tā fēi de zhēn kuài.It flies really fast.
- 雨婷 Yuting我想把它拍下来。Wǒ xiǎng bǎ tā pāi xiàlái.I want to take a photo of it.
- 浩然 Haoran小心不要把它吓跑了。Xiǎoxīn bùyào bǎ tā xià pǎo le.Be careful not to scare it away.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
