The word '栖身' describes the act of finding a place to reside, often emphasizing shelter or a temporary stay in a modest environment.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To find a place to stay or dwell.
- Often implies a temporary or humble living situation.
- Carries a sense of seeking shelter or refuge.
Overview
- 1概览：‘栖身’是一个带有书面语色彩的动词。其字面意思源自鸟类在树木上停息（栖息），引申为人类在某处居住或暂住。2) 用法模式：它通常与地点名词连用，最常见的搭配是‘栖身之所’。它既可以指具体的物理空间（如房屋、帐篷），也可以比喻精神上的寄托。3) 常见语境：该词常出现在文学作品或严肃的新闻报道中，用来描述流浪者、难民或在艰苦条件下奋斗的人寻找住所的情况。4) 同类词比较：与‘居住’相比，‘栖身’更强调‘安身’这一动作，且往往暗示居住条件可能比较简陋或只是暂时性的。与‘栖息’相比，‘栖息’主要用于动物（如鸟类、昆虫），而‘栖身’则专指人类。
Examples
他在繁华城市的角落里找到了一个可以栖身的小屋。
everydayHe found a small room to stay in a corner of the bustling city.
许多难民在临时营地里栖身，等待进一步的救援。
formalMany refugees are staying in temporary camps, waiting for further relief.
别看这房子破，好歹是个栖身的地方。
informalDon't mind that the house is dilapidated; at least it's a place to stay.
对于很多流浪艺术家来说，图书馆就是他们精神的栖身之地。
academicFor many wandering artists, the library is the dwelling place of their spirit.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
无处栖身
To have nowhere to stay
寻找栖身之地
To look for a place to dwell
Often Confused With
'栖息' is primarily used for animals or birds resting/dwelling, while '栖身' is used for humans.
'定居' implies settling down permanently, whereas '栖身' focuses on the immediate act of having a place to stay, often temporary.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word '栖身' is more formal and literary than the common word '住' (zhù). It is frequently used in contexts involving hardship, migration, or the search for a safe haven. It highlights the functional and emotional necessity of shelter rather than the luxury of a home.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using '栖身' to describe animals, where '栖息' should be used instead. Additionally, learners sometimes use it as a noun, but it is a verb; for the noun form, one should use the phrase '栖身之所'.
Tips
Use it for temporary or humble lodging
Use '栖身' when you want to add a literary touch to describing where someone stays, especially during difficult times or transitions.
Avoid using it for permanent luxury
Calling a permanent, luxury mansion a '栖身之所' might sound overly humble or even ironic, as the word implies basic shelter.
Reflects the value of stability
In Chinese culture, having a '栖身之所' is considered a fundamental human need, reflecting the importance of safety and belonging.
Word Origin
'栖' originally referred to birds roosting at night. Combined with '身' (body), it evolved to mean humans finding a place to rest their bodies.
Cultural Context
The concept of '栖身' is deeply tied to the Chinese ideal of '安居乐业' (living in peace and working happily). Without a '栖身之所', a person is considered '漂泊' (drifting), which is a state often met with sympathy in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
The character '栖' (qī) contains '木' (wood/tree), suggesting a bird resting on a branch. '身' (shēn) means body. Think of 'placing your body on a branch' to rest and stay safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“居住”是中性词，指长期生活在某地；而“栖身”带有文学色彩，常指在有限或艰苦的条件下寻找一个安身之地。
通常不可以。形容动物停留在某处通常用“栖息”，而“栖身”专门用于人。
这是一个非常常用的固定短语，指可以居住、安身的地方，哪怕那个地方非常简陋。
在日常随意对话中较少使用，人们更倾向于用“住”。但在书面表达或想要表达某种情感深度时，使用“栖身”会更准确。
Test Yourself
他在异国他乡奋斗多年，终于有了一个可以___的小屋。
“栖身”指人居住、安身，符合语境；“栖息”多指动物。
选择最佳选项：
C选项正确描述了失去住所的情况。A应用栖息，B中五星级酒店不符合栖身的简陋/基本属性，D应用停留。
他在 / 破旧的 / 栖身 / 阁楼里 / 暂且
“他（主语）+ 暂且（状语）+ 在破旧的阁楼里（介词短语作状语）+ 栖身（谓语）”是标准句式。
Score: /3
Summary
The word '栖身' describes the act of finding a place to reside, often emphasizing shelter or a temporary stay in a modest environment.
- To find a place to stay or dwell.
- Often implies a temporary or humble living situation.
- Carries a sense of seeking shelter or refuge.
Use it for temporary or humble lodging
Use '栖身' when you want to add a literary touch to describing where someone stays, especially during difficult times or transitions.
Avoid using it for permanent luxury
Calling a permanent, luxury mansion a '栖身之所' might sound overly humble or even ironic, as the word implies basic shelter.
Reflects the value of stability
In Chinese culture, having a '栖身之所' is considered a fundamental human need, reflecting the importance of safety and belonging.
Examples
4 of 4他在繁华城市的角落里找到了一个可以栖身的小屋。
He found a small room to stay in a corner of the bustling city.
许多难民在临时营地里栖身，等待进一步的救援。
Many refugees are staying in temporary camps, waiting for further relief.
别看这房子破，好歹是个栖身的地方。
Don't mind that the house is dilapidated; at least it's a place to stay.
对于很多流浪艺术家来说，图书馆就是他们精神的栖身之地。
For many wandering artists, the library is the dwelling place of their spirit.
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