鳶 (yuān) - Kite (bird) — refers to the black kite & also used in the name for the traditional

鳶Tone 1

yuān ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

喻悦

鳶 · yuān

Kite (bird) — refers to the black kite (Milvus migrans) and similar birds of prey;

also used in the name for the traditional Japanese kite.

Kite (bird) — refers to the black kitealso used in the name for the traditional

Usage highlights

Black kiteKite birdKite's cryKite flyingKite's shadowKite and crow

Synonyms

  • 老鷹— eagle/hawk (general term for birds of prey)
  • 黑耳鳶— black-eared kite (specific species)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • A black kite is circling overhead (黑鳶).
  • He enjoys flying a kite (風箏).
  • The kite is a common bird of prey in East Asia (鳶).
  • They observed the kite's hunting behavior (鳶的捕食行為).

Collocations

  • Black kite(黑鳶)
  • Kite bird(鳶鳥)
  • Kite's cry(鳶鳴)
  • Kite flying(鳶飛)
  • Kite's shadow(鳶影)
  • Kite and crow(鳶與鴉)

Idioms

  • The kite whistles and the fish leaps(鳶飛魚躍)
  • Kites and crows cawing together(鳶鴉同鳴)
  • A kite's ambition(鳶之志)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese culture, the kite (bird) is often associated with freedom, vision, and sometimes ominous signs.
  • The character appears in classical texts and poetry, symbolizing lofty aspirations or keen sight.
  • In Japan, 鳶 (tobi) refers to the black kite and is also used for traditional carpenters and kite makers.

FAQ