翔

Core senses include soaring, gliding, or hovering. It describes a specific mode of flight characterized by stability, circling, and effortless suspension. In contexts involving immortals or mythical creatures, it often implies loftiness, grace, or spiritual transcendence. The sense "detailed" is rare; it should be treated with skepticism unless the immediate context precludes flight.

Primarily functions as an intransitive verb describing the state of a subject in the air. It can also serve as an attributive modifier (e.g., a "soaring" bird).

Distinguish from 飛 (to fly). While 飛 refers to the general act or engine of flight, 翔 specifically denotes the manner of movement—the glide.

Tang-period reading: *ziɑng.

Composed of 羽 (wings/feathers) and 尚 (high/esteemed), with the latter reinforcing the sense of verticality and dignity associated with the motion.

When choosing between 翔 and 飛, look for the manner of movement: where 飛 is the act of flying, 翔 is the aerodynamics of the glide.