‘俯冲’ (fǔ chōng) is a verb meaning ‘to dive steeply downward’, typically describing the rapid, controlled descent of an aircraft, bird, or sometimes other fast-moving objects like missiles. The first character 俯 (fǔ) means ‘to bow down’ or ‘to bend forward’, suggesting a downward-facing posture; the second character 冲 (chōng) means ‘to rush’ or ‘to charge’, emphasizing speed and force. Together, they vividly convey the image of something plunging headfirst with momentum.

This word is commonly used in aviation, military, wildlife observation, and sports contexts—especially when describing predatory birds like falcons hunting prey or fighter jets executing tactical maneuvers. It carries a sense of precision, power, and intentionality—not just falling, but actively diving with purpose. While it can occasionally appear in metaphorical or literary usage (e.g., describing a sudden drop in stock prices), its core meaning remains physical and directional: a sharp, forward-leaning descent.