鹤

鶴

hè

隺 + 鸟

Definitions

hè (noun) crane

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 鸟 represents the meaning and 隺 represents the sound.

Semantic: 鸟 Phonetic: 隺

About

The character 鹤 (hè) is a phono-semantic compound. Its semantic radical 鸟 (niǎo) on the right classifies it as a bird, while the phonetic component 隺 (hè) on the left provides the pronunciation. The traditional form 鶴 uses the radical 鳥 but keeps the same phonetic element. 鹤 specifically denotes the crane, a long-legged, long-necked bird significant in East Asian mythology and art. Due to the bird's association with longevity and grace, the character has come to symbolize long life, immortality, and elegance. It frequently appears in classical poetry, often paired with pine trees to represent enduring vitality and peaceful longevity.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

湖边有一只丹顶鹤。

Hú biān yǒu yī zhī dāndǐnghè.

There is a red-crowned crane by the lake.

那只白鹤的羽毛很漂亮。

Nà zhī báihè de yǔmáo hěn piàoliang.

The feathers of that white crane are very beautiful.

动物园里新来了几只鹤。

Dòngwùyuán lǐ xīn lái le jǐ zhī hè.

Several new cranes have arrived at the zoo.

仙鹤在湿地中优雅地漫步。

Xiānhè zài shīdì zhōng yōuyǎ de mànbù.

The crane walks gracefully through the wetlands.

一群鹤正飞往南方过冬。

Yī qún hè zhèng fēi wǎng nánfāng guòdōng.

A flock of cranes is flying south for the winter.

松树与鹤的图案象征长寿。

Sōngshù yǔ hè de tú'àn xiàngzhēng chángshòu.

The pattern of pine trees and cranes symbolizes longevity.

画家正在仔细描绘鹤的形态。

Huàjiā zhèngzài zǐxì miáohuì hè de xíngtài.

The painter is carefully depicting the form of a crane.

她的舞姿飘逸，宛如一只起舞的鹤。

Tā de wǔzī piāoyì, wǎnrú yī zhī qǐwǔ de hè.

Her dancing posture is elegant and graceful, just like a dancing crane.

Related Characters

Component: 隺

Component: 鸟

鹤