Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
鶩 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
duckx, 20 strokes, radical 鳥, Very Hard
(wu4) T4
  1. 1duck
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

(wu4)

The character 鶩 (wù) refers specifically to the 'duck,' a common waterfowl found in various regions. It is often associated with both domestic and wild varieties, and can appear in culinary contexts, especially in dishes like Peking duck. In literature and idiomatic expressions, it can symbolize simplicity or commonness.

Strokes20RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese cuisine, duck is a highly prized ingredient, particularly in dishes like Peking duck, which is celebrated for its crispy skin and tender meat. The importance of duck reflects the broader cultural appreciation for culinary traditions in China.

Memory Tip

Imagine a duck waddling through a muddy pond, quacking loudly. The character 鶩 has a roof (亠) that suggests protection, while the bottom part resembles a duck's feet splashing in water. Picture the 'wù' sound as the duck quacking, making it easier to remember.

Meanings of 鶩

(wu4)
1duck
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 鶩

Simplified
20Strokes
Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 鶩

JasonAmy

Podcast:

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 鶩

Quick Contrast

鸭 (yā, duck) — 鶩 (wù) is often used in more formal or literary contexts, while 鸭 (yā) is the more commonly used term in everyday conversation.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a duck waddling through a muddy pond, quacking loudly. The character 鶩 has a roof (亠) that suggests protection, while the bottom part resembles a duck's feet splashing in water. Picture the 'wù' sound as the duck quacking, making it easier to remember.

Usage Notes

While 鶩 specifically refers to ducks, in casual conversation, the more general term 鸭 (yā) is often used. Be careful with tone; 'wù' has a falling tone, which can be confused with similar-sounding characters in different tones.

HSK Study Tips

Although 鶩 is not part of HSK vocabulary, understanding this character can enhance your grasp of animal names in Chinese. Students should focus on related characters like 鸭 (yā) and learn to differentiate between them in context.

Cultural Note

In Chinese cuisine, duck is a highly prized ingredient, particularly in dishes like Peking duck, which is celebrated for its crispy skin and tender meat. The importance of duck reflects the broader cultural appreciation for culinary traditions in China.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 鶩 (wù) with 鸭 (yā), using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我喜欢鶩' when they mean '我喜欢鸭' (I like duck) can lead to misunderstandings. It's essential to use the correct term based on context.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 鶩

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Etymology of 鶩

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

bird

Semantic (meaning)
+
Phonetic (sound)
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 鶩?

Decomposition of 鶩

IDS Structure⿱敄鳥
Full Character
=
wu4
top
niao3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 鶩?

Write 鶩

Practice writing stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Cultural Notes for 鶩

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese cuisine, duck is a highly prized ingredient, particularly in dishes like Peking duck, which is celebrated for its crispy skin and tender meat. The importance of duck reflects the broader cultural appreciation for culinary traditions in China.

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, ducks are often seen as simple and common birds, whereas in Chinese culture, they are integral to traditional dishes and culinary art.

Word Family of 鶩

Words Containing This Character2
趋之若鹜an unruly crowd on a wild goose chase趨之若鶩
duck
Exercise 1 of 2

Compound Meaning

What does 趋之若鹜 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 鶩

鶩 (wù) specifically refers to ducks in a more formal or literary context, while 鸭 (yā) is the more common term used in everyday conversation.