‘摇椅’ (yáo yǐ) literally means ‘rocking chair’ — a chair designed to rock gently back and forth on curved supports, often used for relaxation or soothing babies. The first character 摇 (yáo) means ‘to rock’, ‘to sway’, or ‘to shake’, while 椅 (yǐ) means ‘chair’. Together, they form a compound noun describing this specific type of furniture. Unlike ordinary chairs, a 摇椅 requires no external force to move once set in motion — its arched base allows smooth, rhythmic rocking.

This word is commonly used in domestic contexts: living rooms, porches, nurseries, or elderly care settings. It evokes feelings of calm, nostalgia, or gentle caregiving — for instance, grandparents rocking infants to sleep or retirees enjoying quiet afternoons. While modern versions may be made of wood, metal, or plastic, the traditional wooden 摇椅 remains iconic in Chinese households and literature.