📖 Meaning
Literally 'flying birds and running beasts.' It refers broadly to all types of birds and animals. The phrase is used to describe wildlife or creatures of the natural world in general.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Han dynasty literary work 'Ode to the Lingguang Hall' (《鲁灵光殿赋》) by Wang Yanshou, where it was used to describe carvings and decorations that depicted birds and beasts coming to life among the woodwork. Over time, it became a common four-character idiom denoting all feathered and furry creatures. It later appeared in classical novels such as Journey to the West by Wu Cheng'en of the Ming dynasty.
💡 Example Usage
这片原始森林里栖息着各种飞禽走兽，生态环境十分丰富。
This primeval forest is home to all manner of birds and beasts, with a richly diverse ecosystem.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 飞禽走兽
- Pinyin: fēi qín zǒu shòu
- Literal Translation: fly, birds, run, beasts
- Category: Variety
- Characters: 4