quail
word
Definition
A "quail" is a small, ground-dwelling bird, often hunted for food or sport. It can also mean to suddenly feel or show fear.
Usage & Nuances
As a noun, "quail" means the bird (plural can be "quail" or "quails"). As a verb (formal/literary), it means to shrink back in fear—used less often in everyday speech. Distinguish from 'quail eggs' (the bird's eggs). The verb form is usually in contexts of fear or intimidation.
Spanish: codorniz - acobardarsePortuguese (BR): codorna - acovardar-sePortuguese (PT): codorniz - acobardar-seChinese (Simplified): 鹌鹑 - 畏缩Chinese (Traditional): 鵪鶉 - 畏縮Hindi: बटेर - डर जानाArabic: سمان - يرتجف خوفاًBengali: বটের পাখি (noun) - সঙ্কোচিত হওয়া (verb)Russian: перепел (птица) - струсить (литературно, испугаться)Japanese: ウズラ (鳥) - ひるむ (動詞、文語的)Vietnamese: chim cút (danh từ) - chùn bước (động từ, văn học)Korean: 메추라기 (명사) - 움츠러들다 (동사, 문어체)Turkish: bıldırcın (isim) - korkup geri çekilmek (fiil, edebi)Urdu: بٹیر (پرندہ) - خوف سے پیچھے ہٹنا (ادبی، فعل)Indonesian: burung puyuh (kata benda) - mundur karena takut (kata kerja, sastra)
Example Sentences
A quail ran across the garden.
basic
We saw many quail on our hike.
basic
He didn't quail at the sound of thunder; he stayed calm.
natural
Even the bravest may quail in front of danger.
natural
The villagers hunted quail in the fields at dawn.
natural
The chef cooked quail for dinner.
basic