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鸳 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
鸳yuānmale mandarin duck (Aix galericulata)n, 10 strokes, radical 鸟
鸳yuānmandarin duckunknown, 10 strokes, radical 鸟
yuān(yuan1)yuan T1
  1. 1male mandarin duck (Aix galericulata)
  2. 2mandarin duck
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March 24, 2026

鸳(鴛)yuān(yuan1)

The character 鸳 (yuān) refers to the male mandarin duck, a bird known for its striking colors and unique appearance. In Chinese culture, mandarin ducks symbolize love and fidelity, often associated with marital harmony. They are frequently depicted together in art and literature to represent romantic relationships.

Strokes10Radical鸟
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, mandarin ducks are considered symbols of love and fidelity, often featured in traditional wedding decorations and art. Their representation in various forms of media illustrates the importance of romantic relationships in Chinese societal values.

Memory tip

Imagine a pair of beautiful mandarin ducks (鸳) swimming together in a serene pond. The character 鸳 can be visualized as a duck with its elegant plumage, and the 'yuān' sound can remind you of 'waning' love that never fades, as mandarin ducks are known for their lifelong partnerships.

Meanings of 鸳

yuān(yuan1)
1male mandarin duck (Aix galericulata)
2mandarin duck
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 鸳

鸳Simplified
鴛Traditional
10Strokes
鸟Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

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Podcast: 鸳

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AI study notes for 鸳

Quick Contrast

鸯 (yāng) - use 鸳 (yuān) specifically for the male mandarin duck, while 鸯 refers to the female counterpart.

Usage Notes

This term is used primarily in a literary or romantic context, often appearing in poetry and art. A common mistake is confusing it with other bird names, so be sure to associate it specifically with mandarin ducks. It's generally informal and may not be used in everyday conversation.

HSK Study Tips

As this character is not included in the HSK levels, learners may encounter it in cultural or literary contexts. Focus on understanding its symbolic meaning in terms of love and fidelity, which connects to broader themes in Chinese literature.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 鸳 with other bird characters, such as 鸡 (jī, chicken) or 鹅 (é, goose). Remember that 鸳 specifically refers to the mandarin duck and is associated with love, unlike these other birds.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 鸳

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Etymology of 鸳

Formation typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Phonosemantic compound. 鸟 represents the meaning and 夗 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鴛.

Memory hint

bird

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

Origin

鸳 = 鸟 + 夗. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 鸳

IDS Structure⿱夗鸟
鸳Full character
=
夗yuan4
top
鸟diao3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 鸳?

How to say male mandarin duck (Aix galericulata) in Chinese

“male mandarin duck (Aix galericulata)” in Chinese is鸳yuān

The character 鸳 (yuān) refers to the male mandarin duck, a bird known for its striking colors and unique appearance. In Chinese culture, mandarin ducks symbolize love and fidelity, often associated with marital harmony. They are frequently depicted together in art and literature to represent romantic relationships.

When to use 鸳

This term is used primarily in a literary or romantic context, often appearing in poetry and art. A common mistake is confusing it with other bird names, so be sure to associate it specifically with mandarin ducks. It's generally informal and may not be used in everyday conversation.

鸳 or something close to it

鸯 (yāng) - use 鸳 (yuān) specifically for the male mandarin duck, while 鸯 refers to the female counterpart.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 鸳 with other bird characters, such as 鸡 (jī, chicken) or 鹅 (é, goose). Remember that 鸳 specifically refers to the mandarin duck and is associated with love, unlike these other birds.

Write 鸳

鸳

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

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Cultural Notes for 鸳

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, ducks may not carry the same romantic symbolism as in Chinese culture, where mandarin ducks specifically symbolize lifelong partnership and devotion.

Word Family of 鸳

Words containing this character4
鸳鸯(fig.) affectionate couple鴛鴦
鸳yuānmandarin duck鴛
鸳鸯戏水fig. to make love鴛鴦戲水
野鸳鸯wild mandarin duck野鴛鴦
Exercise 1 of 3

Words with 鸳

What does 鸳鸯 mean?

Frequently asked questions about 鸳

The female mandarin duck is called 鸳鸯 (yuānyāng), which refers to the pair, as '鸳' (yuān) is the male and '鸯' (yāng) is the female.

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