Meanings of 鵲
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About 鵲
Podcast: 鵲
Podcast: 鵲
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AI Study Notes for 鵲
喜鹊 (xǐquè) vs 鵲 (què) — use 喜鹊 when specifically referring to the magpie as a symbol of joy, while 鵲 is a more general term for the bird.
When using 鵲, it’s important to note that it is more formal and literary in tone, often appearing in poetry or idiomatic phrases. Common collocations include 鵲橋 (què qiáo), meaning 'Magpie Bridge', which refers to a romantic story in Chinese folklore. Be careful not to confuse it with other similar bird characters.
Although 鵲 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects well with other bird-related terms like 鸟 (niǎo, 'bird') and can enrich your understanding of cultural expressions. Focus on its symbolic meanings in various contexts to fully appreciate its usage.
Learners often confuse 鵲 with similar characters like 鸟 (niǎo), which means 'bird' in general. Remember that 鵲 specifically refers to the magpie and has cultural significance, while 鸟 is more generic.
Pronunciation of 鵲
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Etymology of 鵲
Simplified form of 鵲. Phonosemantic compound. 鳥 represents the meaning and 昔 represents the sound. Originally written as 舄.
bird
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 鵲
Simplified form of 鵲. Phonosemantic compound. 鳥 represents the meaning and 昔 represents the sound. Originally written as 舄.
- 1The meaning half鳥 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half昔 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.
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Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 鵲
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How to say magpie; Pica species (various) in Chinese
“magpie; Pica species (various)” in Chinese is鵲
The character 鵲 (què) refers to a type of bird known as the magpie, which is often associated with good fortune and happiness in Chinese culture. It is commonly used in idiomatic expressions and symbolism, representing joy and good news, particularly during celebrations like the Lunar New Year.
When to use 鵲
When using 鵲, it’s important to note that it is more formal and literary in tone, often appearing in poetry or idiomatic phrases. Common collocations include 鵲橋 (què qiáo), meaning 'Magpie Bridge', which refers to a romantic story in Chinese folklore. Be careful not to confuse it with other similar bird characters.
鵲 or something close to it
喜鹊 (xǐquè) vs 鵲 (què) — use 喜鹊 when specifically referring to the magpie as a symbol of joy, while 鵲 is a more general term for the bird.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 鵲 with similar characters like 鸟 (niǎo), which means 'bird' in general. Remember that 鵲 specifically refers to the magpie and has cultural significance, while 鸟 is more generic.
Write 鵲
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Word Family of 鵲
Compound Meaning
What does 鹊 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 鵲
鵲 symbolizes happiness and good fortune, often associated with joyful events.
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