鸖 (hè) - Crane — a large, long-legged, long-necked bird, often & symbol of longevity and elegance in Chinese culture.

鸖Tone 4

hè ｜ 27 strokes ｜ radical:

枫惠

鸖 · hè

Crane — a large, long-legged, long-necked bird, often white in color;

symbol of longevity and elegance in Chinese culture.

Crane — a large, long-legged, long-necked bird, oftensymbol of longevity and elegance in Chinese culture.

Usage highlights

White craneCrane danceCrane standingCrane cryCrane featherCrane longevity

Synonyms

  • 鹤— Standard modern form for crane
  • 仙禽— Divine bird (poetic term for crane)
  • 露禽— Dew bird (literary term for crane)

Antonyms

  • 鸡— Chicken (common bird vs. noble crane)
  • 凫— Wild duck (ordinary water bird vs. crane)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The crane is a symbol of longevity (长寿的象征).
  • We saw a white crane at the lake (白鸖).
  • Crane dance is a traditional performance (鸖舞).
  • The crane stands gracefully in the marsh (鸖立).

Collocations

  • White crane(白鸖)
  • Crane dance(鸖舞)
  • Crane standing(鸖立)
  • Crane cry(鸖鸣)
  • Crane feather(鸖羽)
  • Crane longevity(鸖寿)

Idioms

  • Crane hair and childlike face(鸖发童颜)
  • Crane stands among chickens(鸖立鸡群)
  • Crane returns to Huating(鸖归华亭)
  • Crane cry in the wild(鸖鸣九皋)
  • Broken crane and crippled凫(断鸖续凫)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Cranes symbolize longevity, nobility, and immortality in Chinese culture.
  • Often associated with Taoist immortals who ride cranes to heaven.
  • Considered one of the most auspicious birds in Chinese mythology and art.
  • Represents marital harmony when depicted in pairs.

FAQ