Meanings of 鸟
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About 鸟
Podcast: 鸟
Podcast: 鸟
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AI Study Notes for 鸟
鸟 (bird) vs 鸡 (chicken) — use 鸟 for wild or generic birds, and 鸡 specifically for domesticated chickens.
Be cautious of the tone when pronouncing 鸟, as mispronouncing it can lead to confusion with '屌' (diǎo), which has a vulgar meaning. This character is often used in informal settings, especially when discussing animals or nature. Common collocations include '鸟类' (niǎo lèi - bird species) and '飞鸟' (fēi niǎo - flying bird).
As an HSK Level 3 word, 鸟 connects well with other nature-related vocabulary like '鱼' (yú - fish) and '兽' (shòu - beast). Students should focus on its pronunciation and usage in sentences describing animals and their characteristics.
Learners often confuse 鸟 with 屌 due to their similar pronunciation. For example, saying '我看到一只屌' (Wǒ kàn dào yī zhī diǎo) instead of '我看到一只鸟' (Wǒ kàn dào yī zhī niǎo) can lead to an awkward misunderstanding.
Pronunciation of 鸟
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Etymology of 鸟
Simplified form of 鳥. Pictograph of a bird.
Simplified form of 烏, a bird
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 鸟
Simplified form of 鳥. Pictograph of a bird.
- 1The giveawaySimplified form of 烏, a bird
- 2On the record aspictographic — someone drew the thing itself.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 鸟? 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
What type of character formation is 鸟?
How to say bird in Chinese
“bird” in Chinese is鸟
The character 鸟 (diǎo) primarily means 'bird' in Mandarin. It is commonly used in contexts related to nature and wildlife, and sometimes appears in idiomatic expressions. Additionally, it can serve as a colloquial term for the male anatomy in certain dialects, showcasing its varied usage.
When to use 鸟
Be cautious of the tone when pronouncing 鸟, as mispronouncing it can lead to confusion with '屌' (diǎo), which has a vulgar meaning. This character is often used in informal settings, especially when discussing animals or nature. Common collocations include '鸟类' (niǎo lèi - bird species) and '飞鸟' (fēi niǎo - flying bird).
鸟 or something close to it
鸟 (bird) vs 鸡 (chicken) — use 鸟 for wild or generic birds, and 鸡 specifically for domesticated chickens.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 鸟 with 屌 due to their similar pronunciation. For example, saying '我看到一只屌' (Wǒ kàn dào yī zhī diǎo) instead of '我看到一只鸟' (Wǒ kàn dào yī zhī niǎo) can lead to an awkward misunderstanding.
Write 鸟
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Practice writing 鸟 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 鸟
鸟 carries 5 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Complete the Sentence
目前，30%的爬行动物、____类和鱼类面临灭绝的危险。
30 percent of reptiles, birds, and fish are currently threatened with extinction.
Common Confusions with 鸟
Variant form; same pronunciation but different context.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "bird"?
Example Sentences for 鸟 (10)
Cultural Notes for 鸟
'鸟' is a common symbol in Chinese culture, often representing freedom and transcendence. Birds are celebrated in poetry and art, symbolizing the beauty of nature.
In many cultures, birds are seen as messengers of the gods. In Chinese culture, they are often associated with good luck and prosperity, particularly the phoenix.
Word Family of 鸟
Compound Meaning
What does 鸡 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 鸟
Yes, 鸟 (diǎo) can be used as slang for 'penis' in informal contexts. It is important to understand the audience and the setting when using this term, as it can be considered vulgar.
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