鵠 (hú) - Swan — a large waterfowl & also refers to a target in archery

鵠Tone 2

hú ｜ 18 strokes ｜ radical:

枫惠

鵠 · hú

Swan — a large waterfowl;

also refers to a target in archery;

metaphorically means goal or aspiration.

Swan — a large waterfowlalso refers to a target in archerymetaphorically means goal or aspiration.

Usage highlights

SwanArchery targetSwan's whitenessGreat ambitionSwan songStanding like a swan

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 麻雀— Sparrow (contrast in size and symbolism)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The swan is an elegant bird (天鹅).
  • He aimed at the target (鵠的).
  • She has high aspirations (鴻鵠之志).
  • The swan's feathers are pure white (鵠白).

Collocations

  • Swan(鵠)
  • Archery target(鵠的)
  • Swan's whiteness(鵠白)
  • Great ambition(鴻鵠之志)
  • Swan song(鵠鳴)
  • Standing like a swan(鵠立)

Idioms

  • Great ambition like that of a swan(鴻鵠之志)
  • Standing tall and straight(鵠立)
  • White as a swan(鵠白)
  • Fixing one's aim on the target(鵠的)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese culture, the swan symbolizes nobility, purity, and lofty aspirations.
  • Used metaphorically in archery to represent the target or goal one aims to achieve.
  • Appears in classical literature as a symbol of high ambition and elegance.

FAQ