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March 24, 2026
鶘hú(hu2)
The character 鶘 (hú) refers specifically to the pelican, a large water bird known for its distinctive long bill and large throat pouch used for catching prey. While not commonly used in everyday language, it may appear in literary contexts or discussions about wildlife and nature.
Strokes20Radical鳥Frequency#98919DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
Pelicans are often associated with various symbols in Chinese culture, including abundance and resourcefulness due to their fishing abilities. They can also be found in Chinese poetry and art, symbolizing harmony with nature.
Memory Tip
Imagine a pelican (鶘) elegantly swooping down to catch fish with its long bill. The character has 'bird' (鳥) as a component, reminding you it's a type of bird. The pronunciation 'hú' can sound like 'who', as in 'Who is that pelican over there?'
Meanings of 鶘
hú(hu2)
1pelican
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 鶘
鶘Simplified
20Strokes
鳥Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 鶘
Podcast: 鶘
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AI Study Notes for 鶘
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a pelican (鶘) elegantly swooping down to catch fish with its long bill. The character has 'bird' (鳥) as a component, reminding you it's a type of bird. The pronunciation 'hú' can sound like 'who', as in 'Who is that pelican over there?'
Usage Notes
When using 鶘, it's important to remember that it is not commonly encountered in conversation, so it may sound overly formal or literary. Be cautious of tone; 'hú' is pronounced with a rising tone. Proper collocations may include terms related to nature or ornithology.
HSK Study Tips
Although 鶘 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it can be a fun addition for learners interested in animals. Focus on recognizing radicals and components, especially the bird radical (鳥), to help remember its meaning.
Cultural Note
Pelicans are often associated with various symbols in Chinese culture, including abundance and resourcefulness due to their fishing abilities. They can also be found in Chinese poetry and art, symbolizing harmony with nature.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse 鶘 with other bird-related characters, such as 鳥 (niǎo), which is more general. For instance, saying '我喜欢鶘' (wǒ xǐhuān hú) is less common; instead, use '我喜欢鸟' (wǒ xǐhuān niǎo) for 'I like birds.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 鶘
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Cultural Notes for 鶘
🏮Cultural insight
Pelicans are often associated with various symbols in Chinese culture, including abundance and resourcefulness due to their fishing abilities. They can also be found in Chinese poetry and art, symbolizing harmony with nature.
Word Family of 鶘
Words Containing This Character2
鹈鹕pelican鵜鶘
鹕húpelican鶘
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 鹈鹕 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 鶘
No, 鶘 is not commonly used in daily conversation and is more likely to appear in literary or specialized contexts.
The correct pronunciation is 'hú', with a rising tone.
Yes, you might also encounter 鳥 (niǎo), which simply means 'bird' and is more commonly used.
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