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March 24, 2026
鴇bǎo(bao3)
The character 鴇 (bǎo) refers to a type of bird known as a bustard, which is notable for its size and distinctive features. In a more figurative sense, it can also mean a procuress, a woman who facilitates or manages the business of sexual services. This dual meaning reflects the character's usage in both natural and social contexts.
Strokes15Radical鳥Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese literature, birds often symbolize freedom and beauty, and the bustard (鴇) is no exception. Additionally, the term for procuress reflects historical views on women's roles in society, which can be a sensitive topic in modern discussions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large bird (the bustard) soaring gracefully in the sky, while below, a woman named Bao is orchestrating a bustling marketplace. The character 鴇 looks like a bird in flight, and ‘bǎo’ sounds like 'bow,' as if you're bowing to this imposing bird. This connection may help you remember the meaning and pronunciation.
Meanings of 鴇
bǎo(bao3)
1bustard; procuress; Otis species (various)
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About 鴇
鴇Simplified
15Strokes
鳥Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 鴇
Podcast: 鴇
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AI Study Notes for 鴇
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a large bird (the bustard) soaring gracefully in the sky, while below, a woman named Bao is orchestrating a bustling marketplace. The character 鴇 looks like a bird in flight, and ‘bǎo’ sounds like 'bow,' as if you're bowing to this imposing bird. This connection may help you remember the meaning and pronunciation.
Usage Notes
Be careful with the context in which you use 鴇, as its meaning can shift dramatically based on the conversation. It's more likely to be encountered in literary or formal texts rather than daily conversation. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding characters like 保 (bǎo), which means 'to protect.'
HSK Study Tips
While 鴇 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it can be connected to HSK Level 3 words related to animals and professions. Focus on recognizing it in context, especially within literature or specialized discussions about birds or social structures.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese literature, birds often symbolize freedom and beauty, and the bustard (鴇) is no exception. Additionally, the term for procuress reflects historical views on women's roles in society, which can be a sensitive topic in modern discussions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 鴇 with the character 保 (bǎo), which means 'to protect' or 'to guarantee.' To avoid this, remember that 鴇 relates to birds and social contexts, while 保 is more about safety.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 鴇
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Cultural Notes for 鴇
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese literature, birds often symbolize freedom and beauty, and the bustard (鴇) is no exception. Additionally, the term for procuress reflects historical views on women's roles in society, which can be a sensitive topic in modern discussions.
Word Family of 鴇
Words Containing This Character4
老鸨female brothel keeper老鴇
鸨bǎoprocuress鴇
鸨母a bawd鴇母
大鸨(bird species of China) great bustard (Otis tarda)大鴇
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 老鸨 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 鴇
It's not commonly used in everyday conversation; you may encounter it more in literary or historical texts.
It is pronounced as 'bǎo' with a falling-rising tone.
Yes, it can also refer to a procuress, so context is very important.
