common name for the swallow (bird); any bird of the family Hirundinidae

oats; a type of cereal plant often grown in northern regions for its edible grain and for use as animal fodder

Stefanie Sun (1978-), a popular Singaporean singer and songwriter

a formal Western-style black evening dress coat for men, featuring a short front and a long back split into two tails resembling a swallow's tail

Ancient name for [[北京|北京|bei3 jing1]]; the former capital of the state of [[燕|燕|yan1]] during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period.

the nest of the swiftlet, made from its saliva and used as a delicacy in Chinese cuisine; valued as a nutritious tonic in traditional medicine

Small seabird resembling a swallow, typically with a hooked beak, webbed feet, and tubular nostrils; primarily found in the open sea

A major mountain range in northern Hebei province, northern China

oatmeal; rolled oats; a food product made from processed oats often eaten with milk or water

A vassal state during the Zhou Dynasty located in modern-day Hebei and Liaoning; can also refer to the four Yan kingdoms during the Sixteen Kingdoms period: [[前燕|前燕|qian2 yan1]], [[后燕|後燕|hou4 yan1]], [[南燕|南燕|nan2 yan1]], and [[北燕|北燕|bei3 yan1]]

(idiom) describes someone who is physically lithe, graceful, or light-footed, often used for athletes, martial artists, or dancers

Yanjing or Yenching University, a Christian university in Beijing founded in 1919.

Empress of the Han Dynasty (died 1 BC) known for her slender build and skills as a dancer; she was the second wife of Emperor Cheng and later became Empress Dowager during the reign of Emperor Ai.

Later Yan of the Sixteen Kingdoms (384-409), founded by [[慕容垂|慕容垂|mu4 rong2 chui2]] during the Eastern Jin period

(idiom) to separate or go different ways; usually refers to a couple parting ways; literally, the shrike and the swallow fly in different directions

(idiom) to enjoy the happiness of being newly married; often used as a congratulatory expression to a couple. Also written as [[燕尔新婚|燕爾新婚|yan4 er3 xin1 hun1]] or [[宴尔新婚|宴爾新婚|yan4 er3 xin1 hun1]].

literally 'warblers sing and swallows dance'; describes a vibrant scene of spring or a lively atmosphere of growth and prosperity

(literary) an airplane, especially one flying in the sky; literally "silver swallow"

(literary) to be recently and happily married

any of several birds in the swift family that resemble swallows but have longer wings and are known for fast flight; they often nest in crevices or under eaves

Southern Yan, one of the Sixteen Kingdoms (398–410) during the Jin Dynasty, founded by Murong De of the Xianbei people

(bird species) brambling; bramble finch

(bird species of China) barn swallow; a small migratory bird with black feathers on its back and a white belly that often builds nests under the eaves of houses, commonly known as [[燕子|燕子|yan4 zi5]]

A crowd of women or girls chattering together

a genus of birds that use echolocation and build nests harvested to make bird's nest soup; commonly the species Aerodramus fuciphagus and Aerodramus maximus

(literary) to be at ease and happy; to make someone feel happy

Literally referring to the plump Yang Yuhuan of the Tang dynasty and the slender Zhao Feiyan of the Han dynasty; used to describe how different styles of women or artistic works each have their own unique beauty or distinctive features.

Jenny Hu (1945-), Hong Kong actress

the pleasant, sweet, and melodious sound of women speaking, often compared to the songs of nightingales and swallows

literally meaning "how can the swallow and sparrow know the will of the great swan"; used to describe how people with narrow minds or common goals cannot understand the grand visions of those with great ambition

A sea bird of the tern subfamily, typically having a slender beak, webbed feet, and a long forked tail. Known for their long-distance migration, most notably by the Arctic tern.

a swallow in flight

A dish or delicacy prepared from edible bird's nest.

Pai Hsiao-yen (1980–1997), the daughter of the Taiwanese entertainer [[白冰冰|白冰冰|bai2 bing1 bing1]] who was famously kidnapped and killed.

short form for the crown prince of the state of Yan during the Warring States period who famously sent Jing Ke to assassinate the First Emperor of Qin

Refers to women who are all beautiful but in different styles; specifically contrasting slender and plump figures

the chirping of swallows and orioles, representing a pleasant spring scene

The happiness and sweetness of a new marriage; often used as a congratulatory phrase for newlyweds.

(literary) To make good plans for the welfare of one's descendants; based on a phrase from the "Classic of Poetry" meaning to protect and provide for one's children and grandchildren.

To give a distorted interpretation of a text or statement; to misinterpret the original meaning by reading in ideas that are not there. Originally refers to a story from [[韩非子|韓非子|han2 fei1 zi3]] where a letter from the city of [[郢|郢|ying3]] inadvertently included the words "hold up the candle", which the minister of [[燕|燕|yan1]] mistakenly interpreted as advice to "promote the wise".

poetic description of the lively atmosphere of spring (literally "the songs of orioles and the chatter of swallows")

highest-quality edible bird's nest

A pair of swallows nesting together; used to describe a devoted or harmonious married couple

(literary) gentle, quiet, and agreeable in manner or appearance

to hold a banquet or feast for guests; a sacrificial offering or ceremonial meal

(of an official) to live at home after retiring from court; to lead a life of ease or leisure

Literally "swallows and sparrows living in a hall"; describes someone who is living comfortably and has lost their vigilance, unaware that a great disaster is about to happen.

a species of seabird, Onychoprion fuscatus, found in tropical oceans and coastal areas of China

a young or newly hatched swallow