飛

Literal flight (birds, insects, mythical creatures). Velocity and linear motion: rapid movement or "darting" when applied to non-flying objects (e.g., arrows, horses); hyperbolic shorthand for urgency in human movement. Height achieved through ascent; in mystical or Daoist contexts, liberation from gravity or transition to a celestial state.

Verb: the action of flying or moving rapidly. Modifier/Adverbial: functions as "rapidly," "swiftly," or "flying" when preceding another verb or noun. Directional Quality: may indicate an upward or outward trajectory describing the character of a motion.

Contrast with 翔 (soaring/gliding), which implies controlled, circling, or sustained suspension. Contrast with 騰 (leaping, galloping, or surging upward). Contrast with 疾 (raw speed or intensity without necessarily implying an airborne trajectory).

Simplified variant: U+98DE (modern usage).

In early seal scripts, stylized "wings" may resemble other avian components, though the overall structure remains distinct.