Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To flap wings: The primary meaning of "đập cánh" is the action of a bird, insect, or other winged creature moving its wings up and down rapidly, typically to fly, hover, or maintain balance.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Con chim đang đập cánh trên cành cây. (The bird is flapping its wings on the tree branch.)
  • Những con bướm đập cánh nhẹ nhàng trong vườn. (The butterflies are flapping their wings gently in the garden.)
  • Con gà mái đập cánh liên tục khi bị bắt. (The hen flapped its wings continuously when caught.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase can be used metaphorically to describe something moving or vibrating in a manner reminiscent of wing flapping.
  • Chiếc lá khô đập cánh trong gió. (The dry leaf flapped in the wind.)

Variants and Related Words

• Vỗ cánh (verb phrase): a near-synonym meaning to beat or flap wings. The nuance can sometimes imply a stronger, more resonant sound or motion.
  • Thiên nga vỗ cánh mạnh mẽ khi cất cánh. (The swan beats its wings powerfully when taking off.)

Synonyms

• Flutter: to flap wings quickly and lightly.
• Beat wings: to move wings in a repeated, forceful motion.

Related Idioms

• Đập cánh loạn xạ: to flap wings frantically or in panic.
  • Con gà trống đập cánh loạn xạ khi thấy con cáo. (The rooster flapped its wings frantically upon seeing the fox.)