鷗 (ōu) - Gull — refers to seagulls and other gull-like & a common character in classical Chinese poetry symbolizing

鷗Tone 1

ōu ｜ 22 strokes ｜ radical:

柠七

鷗 · ōu

Gull — refers to seagulls and other gull-like birds;

a common character in classical Chinese poetry symbolizing freedom and detachment.

Gull — refers to seagulls and other gull-likea common character in classical Chinese poetry symbolizing

Usage highlights

SeagullGull birdSandbar gullGull companionGull's dreamWhite gull

Synonyms

  • 海鷗— seagull (specific type)
  • 鷺— egret/heron (similar water bird)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • A seagull flies over the ocean (海鷗).
  • He enjoys watching gulls at the beach (鷗鳥).
  • The poem describes gulls on the sandbank (沙鷗).
  • Gull Island is a famous tourist spot (鷗島).

Collocations

  • Seagull(海鷗)
  • Gull bird(鷗鳥)
  • Sandbar gull(沙鷗)
  • Gull companion(鷗侶)
  • Gull's dream(鷗夢)
  • White gull(白鷗)

Idioms

  • Gull and gullweed forget each other(鷗鷺忘機)
  • Gull companions and crane friends(鷗朋鷺友)
  • Gulls on the sandy shore(鷗汀鷺渚)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese poetry, gulls symbolize freedom, leisure, and detachment from worldly affairs.
  • The character appears frequently in classical literature, particularly in descriptions of coastal and riverside scenery.
  • Gulls are often associated with hermits and recluses who live in harmony with nature.

FAQ