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March 24, 2026
禽qín(qin2)
The character 禽 (qín) primarily refers to birds and animals, encompassing a broad range of avian species. In historical contexts, it can also mean 'to capture' or 'to hunt,' showcasing its use in both everyday and literary Chinese. It's important to note that while '禽' is often used in formal or literary settings, it may not be as common in everyday speech.
Strokes12Radical禸Frequency#36258DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, birds symbolize freedom and aspiration, and they often appear in poetry and art. The character 禽 reflects this cultural significance, as it captures the essence of various birds commonly referenced in classical literature.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'keen' birdwatcher (sounds like qín) observing various 'birds and animals' in the wild. The character 禽 has a radical that resembles a bird (鸟) and captures the essence of avian life, linking its form to its meaning.
Meanings of 禽
qín(qin2)
1generic term for birds and animals
2birds
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 禽
禽Simplified
12Strokes
禸Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#36258Frequency Rank
Podcast: 禽
Podcast: 禽
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AI Study Notes for 禽
Quick Contrast
禽 (qín) vs 鸟 (niǎo) — use 禽 for a broader or more formal reference to birds and animals, while 鸟 specifically refers to birds.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'keen' birdwatcher (sounds like qín) observing various 'birds and animals' in the wild. The character 禽 has a radical that resembles a bird (鸟) and captures the essence of avian life, linking its form to its meaning.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 禽 with other related terms like 动物 (dòngwù, meaning 'animal'), which is broader. Use 禽 in contexts related to birds or specific hunting references, and be mindful of the tone when pronouncing qín, as mispronunciation can change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
While 禽 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects with other HSK words related to animals and nature. Students should focus on the character's usage in literary contexts and familiarize themselves with related terms like 鸟 (niǎo, 'bird').
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, birds symbolize freedom and aspiration, and they often appear in poetry and art. The character 禽 reflects this cultural significance, as it captures the essence of various birds commonly referenced in classical literature.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 禽 with 鸟 (niǎo) and use it incorrectly as a general term for all animals. For example, saying 禽 to refer to a dog is incorrect; instead, 动物 should be used.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 禽
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Grammar Patterns of 禽
禽 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 4 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.
This year, almost a billion birds will be processed in the region.
4
要多吃鱼和禽肉。
yào duō chī yú hé qín ròu。
Eat plenty of fish and poultry.
5
适合搭配口味偏辣的红肉 、 野禽及婪乳酪.
shì hé dā pèi kǒu wèi piān là de hóng ròu、 、 yě qín jí lán rǔ.
Very spicy red game bird meat, ripe cheese.
Cultural Notes for 禽
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, birds symbolize freedom and aspiration, and they often appear in poetry and art. The character 禽 reflects this cultural significance, as it captures the essence of various birds commonly referenced in classical literature.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, the term 'fowl' typically refers to domesticated birds, while 禽 encompasses a broader range of both wild and domestic birds, highlighting a cultural difference in the perception of avian life.
Word Family of 禽
Compounds4
擒qin2to arrest, to capture, to seize
噙qin2to bite; to hold in the mouth
檎qin2a small red apple
蠄
Words Containing This Character17
禽兽creature禽獸
禽qínbirds
家禽jiāqínpoultry
猛禽bird of prey
禽类birds禽類
禽流感bird flu
禽蛋bird eggs
飞禽birds飛禽
水禽waterfowl
禽兽不如worse than a beast禽獸不如
种禽cock種禽
飞禽走兽fēiqínzǒushòubirds and animals飛禽走獸
野禽fowl
衣冠禽兽lit. dressed up animal (idiom)衣冠禽獸
鸣禽songbird鳴禽
良禽择木a fine bird chooses a tree to nest in (proverb)良禽擇木
走禽Ratitae (formerly Cursores) flightless birds such as ostriches
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 擒 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 禽
It's more commonly found in formal writing or literature rather than everyday conversation.
No, 禽 specifically refers to birds; for a generic term for animals, 动物 (dòngwù) is used.
