燕えん雀じゃく

noun

small bird; swallow and sparrow

Literary term for small birds, especially swallows and sparrows. Often used in contrast with 鴻鵠 (large bird) to symbolize smallness or insignificance.

See also: 鴻鵠

• 燕えん雀じゃくいずくんぞ鴻こう鵠こくの志こころざしを知しらんや。

  How can a small bird understand the ambition of a great swan? (proverb)

noun

small-minded person; person of petty character

Figurative extension of the bird meaning, used to describe someone lacking vision or greatness. Rare and literary.

See also: 鴻鵠

• 彼かれは燕えん雀じゃくのごとき小しょう人じんだ。

  He is a petty person, like a small bird.