衔
hold in mouth; harbor; connect; rank
Meanings
5 senses · 13 examplesverb
to hold in the mouth; to carry in the beak
Refers to holding something between the lips or in the beak, as birds do with nesting material. Also used metaphorically for the sun appearing to rest on mountain peaks.
Swallows carry mud in their beaks to build nests.
He held a pipe in his mouth, lost in thought.
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The sun had already touched the mountains, and the sky was gradually darkening.
verb
to harbor (resentment); to nurse (a grudge)
Indicates keeping emotions, especially negative ones like hatred or grievance, bottled up inside over time.
He had harbored hatred for many years and finally took revenge.
to die bearing a grievance and nursing a grudge
verb
to receive (orders); to bear (a commission)
literaryLiterary usage, often in formal or classical contexts regarding receiving commands, missions, or imperial edicts.
He was sent on a mission to the Western Regions bearing imperial orders.
to bear gratitude and seek to repay it
verb
to connect; to join; to link up
Often used in compound words like 衔接, indicating the joining of two parts or phases.
These two processes must be closely connected.
Head and tail connected, forming a circle.
noun
rank; title; designation
Refers to official ranks, academic titles, military ranks, or diplomatic designations indicating level or status.
He holds the title of professor.
This diplomat enjoys the rank of ambassador.
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military ranking system
academic title assessment