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March 24, 2026
鶴hè(he4)
The character 鶴 (hè) refers to a type of bird known as the crane, which is often associated with longevity and good fortune in Chinese culture. Cranes are large, elegant birds found in various regions, and they are commonly depicted in art and literature, symbolizing peace and prosperity.
Strokes21Radical鳥Frequency#95763DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, cranes symbolize immortality and are often featured in traditional paintings, especially during the New Year celebrations. They are also associated with the legend of the 'Eight Immortals' who are known for their longevity.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tall, graceful crane (鶴) standing in a serene pond. The character has a 'bird' radical (鳥) at the top, emphasizing its identity as a bird, while the bottom part resembles the crane's long legs. Think of 'hè' as the sound a crane makes when it flies over a peaceful landscape.
Meanings of 鶴
hè(he4)
1crane; Grus species (various)
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 鶴
鶴Simplified
21Strokes
鳥Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 鶴
Podcast: 鶴
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AI Study Notes for 鶴
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a tall, graceful crane (鶴) standing in a serene pond. The character has a 'bird' radical (鳥) at the top, emphasizing its identity as a bird, while the bottom part resembles the crane's long legs. Think of 'hè' as the sound a crane makes when it flies over a peaceful landscape.
Usage Notes
This character is often used in formal contexts and can appear in idiomatic expressions related to auspiciousness. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words, and note that it often collocates with terms relating to good fortune or traditional celebrations.
HSK Study Tips
Although 鶴 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it is beneficial for learners interested in Chinese culture. Familiarity with this word will enhance understanding of cultural references in literature and art, particularly at HSK Level 4 and above.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, cranes symbolize immortality and are often featured in traditional paintings, especially during the New Year celebrations. They are also associated with the legend of the 'Eight Immortals' who are known for their longevity.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 鶴 (hè) with similar characters like 鳥 (niǎo, bird) due to their visual similarities. A common error is using the wrong tone; remember that it should always be pronounced with a falling tone (hè).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 鶴
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Cultural Notes for 鶴
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, cranes symbolize immortality and are often featured in traditional paintings, especially during the New Year celebrations. They are also associated with the legend of the 'Eight Immortals' who are known for their longevity.
Word Family of 鶴
Words Containing This Character20
鹤hècrane鶴
鹤立鸡群hèlìjīqúnmanifestly superior鶴立雞群
白鹤(bird species of China) Siberian crane (Grus leucogeranus)白鶴
黄鹤楼favored place of poet sages, who in legend arrived riding golden cranes黃鶴樓
仙鹤xiānhèred-crowned crane (Grus japonensis)仙鶴
风声鹤唳to be jittery風聲鶴唳
丹顶鹤(bird species of China) red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis)丹頂鶴
纸鹤paper crane紙鶴
鹤壁Hebi prefecture-level city in Henan鶴壁
鹤山Heshan district of Hebi city 鶴壁市|鹤壁市[Hèbìshì], Henan鶴山
鹤岗Hegang prefecture-level city in Heilongjiang province 黑龍江|黑龙江[Hēilóngjiāng] in northeast China鶴崗
黑颈鹤(bird species of China) black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis)黑頸鶴
鹤壁市Hebi prefecture-level city in Henan鶴壁市
鹤岗市Hegang prefecture-level city in Heilongjiang province 黑龍江|黑龙江[Hēilóngjiāng] in northeast China鶴崗市
鹤峰县Hefeng county in Enshi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture 恩施土家族苗族自治州[EnshīTǔjiāzúMiáozúzìzhìzhōu], Hubei鶴峰縣
鹤山市Heshan county level city in Jiangmen 江門|江门, Guangdong鶴山市
鹤庆Heqing county in Dali Bai autonomous prefecture 大理白族自治州[DàlǐBáizúzìzhìzhōu], Yunnan鶴慶
鹤峰Hefeng county in Enshi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture 恩施土家族苗族自治州[EnshīTǔjiāzúMiáozúzìzhìzhōu], Hubei鶴峰
鹤城Hecheng district of Huaihua city 懷化市|怀化市[Huáihuàshì], Hunan鶴城
鹤庆县Heqing county in Dali Bai autonomous prefecture 大理白族自治州[DàlǐBáizúzìzhìzhōu], Yunnan鶴慶縣
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 鹤 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 鶴
It is pronounced as 'hè', with a falling tone.
Yes, there are various species of cranes, and they are often depicted in folklore and art.
Cranes symbolize longevity and good fortune in Chinese culture.
