鹊 (què) - Magpie — a bird of the crow family,

鹊Tone 4

què ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

情仁

鹊 · què

Magpie — a bird of the crow family, known for its black and white plumage and considered an auspicious bird in Chinese culture, often associated with good fortune and joy.

Magpie — a bird of the crow family,

Usage highlights

MagpieMagpie bridgeMagpie nestMagpie dove occupying magpie nestMagpie's cry announces good newsMagpie steps on plum branch

Synonyms

  • 喜鹊— Magpie (specifically the Eurasian magpie)
  • 报喜鸟— Bird that announces good news

Antonyms

  • 乌鸦— Crow (often associated with bad omens)
  • 猫头鹰— Owl (sometimes considered ominous)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • A magpie landed on the branch (喜鹊落在树枝上).
  • The sound of magpies is considered a good omen (鹊鸣被视为吉兆).
  • They built a magpie nest in the tree (他们在树上建了一个鹊巢).
  • The magpie bridge appears in Chinese mythology (鹊桥出现在中国神话中).

Collocations

  • Magpie(喜鹊)
  • Magpie bridge(鹊桥)
  • Magpie nest(鹊巢)
  • Magpie dove occupying magpie nest(鹊巢鸠占)
  • Magpie's cry announces good news(鹊报佳音)
  • Magpie steps on plum branch(鹊踏梅枝)

Idioms

  • The dove occupying the magpie's nest(鹊巢鸠占)
  • Magpies form a bridge for the Cowherd and Weaver Girl(鹊桥相会)
  • Happiness comes knocking at the door(喜鹊临门)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese culture, the magpie is considered a bird of joy and good fortune, often appearing in folk tales and art.
  • The most famous legend involving magpies is the Cowherd and Weaver Girl story, where magpies form a bridge across the Milky Way once a year.
  • Magpie imagery is commonly used in wedding decorations and celebrations as a symbol of marital happiness.

FAQ