鹤 (hè) - Crane — a large wading bird with long
鹤 · hè
Crane — a large wading bird with long legs and neck, symbolizing longevity, elegance, and nobility in Chinese culture.
Crane — a large wading bird with long
Usage highlights
White craneCrane longevityCrane danceCrane stanceCrane hairCrane and pine
Usage & contexts
Examples
- A white crane stands gracefully in the pond (白鹤).
- Cranes symbolize longevity in Chinese art (鹤寿).
- The crane dance is performed at celebrations (鹤舞).
- We saw a flock of cranes migrating south (鹤群).
Collocations
- White crane(白鹤)
- Crane longevity(鹤寿)
- Crane dance(鹤舞)
- Crane stance(鹤立)
- Crane hair(鹤发, meaning white hair of the elderly)
- Crane and pine(松鹤, symbolizing longevity)
Idioms
- Stand out like a crane among chickens(鹤立鸡群)
- Crane hair and childlike face(鹤发童颜)
- The crane cries and the monkey screams(鹤唳猿声)
- Crane returns to Huating(鹤归华表)
- Crane and turtle both enjoy long life(龟鹤遐寿)
Cultural background
FAQ- Cranes symbolize longevity, immortality, and wisdom in Chinese culture, often associated with Taoist immortals.
- In Chinese art, cranes are frequently depicted with pine trees, representing enduring friendship and long life.
- The crane is considered one of the most auspicious birds in Chinese mythology and folklore.
- In traditional Chinese medicine and alchemy, cranes were believed to possess the secret of immortality.