Meanings of 鸽
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About 鸽
Podcast: 鸽
Podcast: 鸽
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AI Study Notes for 鸽
鸥 (ōu, gull) — choose 鸽 when referring to doves or pigeons specifically, while 鸥 refers to a different type of bird commonly found near water.
Learners often confuse 鸽 (gē) with 鸟 (niǎo), which means 'bird' in general. The usage of 鸽 is more specific, so it’s important to use it when referring specifically to doves or pigeons. In formal writing, it may appear in literature or poetry, while in casual speech, it may be used to describe pets.
Although 鸽 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it is beneficial for learners at HSK 3 and above to know it, given its cultural significance. Students should focus on its pronunciation and the context in which it appears, especially in idiomatic expressions related to peace.
Learners may mistakenly use 鸟 (niǎo) instead of 鸽 (gē) when referring to doves or pigeons, as in saying '我看到一只鸟' (I saw a bird) when they actually mean 'I saw a pigeon.' The correct usage would be '我看到一只鸽子' (I saw a pigeon).
Pronunciation of 鸽
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Etymology of 鸽
Phonosemantic compound. 鸟 represents the meaning and 合 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鴿.
bird
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 鸽
Phonosemantic compound. 鸟 represents the meaning and 合 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鴿.
- 1The meaning half鸟 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half合 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaybird
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 鸽? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 鸽
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How to say pigeon in Chinese
“pigeon” in Chinese is鸽
The character 鸽 (gē) refers to a pigeon or dove, commonly associated with peace and love in various cultures. In Chinese, it can denote different species of the Columba family, which includes both domestic and wild varieties. This character is often used in contexts related to nature, symbolism in art, and traditional ceremonies.
When to use 鸽
Learners often confuse 鸽 (gē) with 鸟 (niǎo), which means 'bird' in general. The usage of 鸽 is more specific, so it’s important to use it when referring specifically to doves or pigeons. In formal writing, it may appear in literature or poetry, while in casual speech, it may be used to describe pets.
鸽 or something close to it
鸥 (ōu, gull) — choose 鸽 when referring to doves or pigeons specifically, while 鸥 refers to a different type of bird commonly found near water.
What learners get wrong
Learners may mistakenly use 鸟 (niǎo) instead of 鸽 (gē) when referring to doves or pigeons, as in saying '我看到一只鸟' (I saw a bird) when they actually mean 'I saw a pigeon.' The correct usage would be '我看到一只鸽子' (I saw a pigeon).
Write 鸽
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Practice writing 鸽 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 鸽
鸽 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
一只____子从塔里钻出来，扑扑地拍打着翅膀。
A pigeon emerges, wings flapping noisily, from the tower.
Example Sentences for 鸽 (7)
Cultural Notes for 鸽
In Western cultures, doves are also symbols of peace, but they may not be as prominently featured in traditional ceremonies as in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 鸽
Compound Meaning
What does 鸽子 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 鸽
鸽 specifically refers to pigeons and doves, while 鸟 is a broader term that means 'bird'.
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