鴿 (gē) - Dove, pigeon — a bird symbolizing peace, fidelity, & often used metaphorically for gentleness and harmony.

鴿Tone 1

gē ｜ 17 strokes ｜ radical:

枫惠

鴿 · gē

Dove, pigeon — a bird symbolizing peace, fidelity, and communication;

often used metaphorically for gentleness and harmony.

Dove, pigeon — a bird symbolizing peace, fidelity,often used metaphorically for gentleness and harmony.

Usage highlights

Peace doveHoming pigeonWild pigeonPigeon cagePigeon postWhite dove

Synonyms

  • 鸠— turtledove, pigeon (a broader term for dove-like birds)

Antonyms

  • 鹰— eagle (predatory bird, opposite in symbolism of aggression vs. peace)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The dove is a symbol of peace (和平鸽).
  • He keeps homing pigeons (信鸽).
  • We saw a flock of pigeons in the square (广场上的鸽子).
  • She released a white dove at the ceremony (仪式上放白鸽).

Collocations

  • Peace dove(和平鸽)
  • Homing pigeon(信鸽)
  • Wild pigeon(野鸽)
  • Pigeon cage(鸽笼)
  • Pigeon post(鸽邮)
  • White dove(白鸽)

Idioms

  • Like a homing pigeon(如信鸽般)
  • Pigeon pair(龙凤胎; idiomatic for twins, one boy and one girl)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese culture, doves/pigeons symbolize peace, harmony, and marital fidelity.
  • Historically used as messenger birds (carrier pigeons) due to their homing instinct.
  • White doves are particularly associated with purity and peaceful resolutions in modern contexts.

FAQ