Meanings of 鸳
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 鸳
Podcast: 鸳
Podcast: 鸳
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 鸳
鸯 (yāng) - use 鸳 (yuān) specifically for the male mandarin duck, while 鸯 refers to the female counterpart.
This term is used primarily in a literary or romantic context, often appearing in poetry and art. A common mistake is confusing it with other bird names, so be sure to associate it specifically with mandarin ducks. It's generally informal and may not be used in everyday conversation.
As this character is not included in the HSK levels, learners may encounter it in cultural or literary contexts. Focus on understanding its symbolic meaning in terms of love and fidelity, which connects to broader themes in Chinese literature.
Learners often confuse 鸳 with other bird characters, such as 鸡 (jī, chicken) or 鹅 (é, goose). Remember that 鸳 specifically refers to the mandarin duck and is associated with love, unlike these other birds.
Pronunciation of 鸳
Drill the tone of 鸳 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 鸳
Phonosemantic compound. 鸟 represents the meaning and 夗 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鴛.
bird
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 鸳
Phonosemantic compound. 鸟 represents the meaning and 夗 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鴛.
- 1The meaning half鸟 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half夗 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.
Want the full history of 鸳? 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 鸳?
Decomposition of 鸳
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 鸳?
How to say male mandarin duck (Aix galericulata) in Chinese
“male mandarin duck (Aix galericulata)” in Chinese is鸳
The character 鸳 (yuān) refers to the male mandarin duck, a bird known for its striking colors and unique appearance. In Chinese culture, mandarin ducks symbolize love and fidelity, often associated with marital harmony. They are frequently depicted together in art and literature to represent romantic relationships.
When to use 鸳
This term is used primarily in a literary or romantic context, often appearing in poetry and art. A common mistake is confusing it with other bird names, so be sure to associate it specifically with mandarin ducks. It's generally informal and may not be used in everyday conversation.
鸳 or something close to it
鸯 (yāng) - use 鸳 (yuān) specifically for the male mandarin duck, while 鸯 refers to the female counterpart.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 鸳 with other bird characters, such as 鸡 (jī, chicken) or 鹅 (é, goose). Remember that 鸳 specifically refers to the mandarin duck and is associated with love, unlike these other birds.
Write 鸳
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 鸳 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Cultural Notes for 鸳
In Western cultures, ducks may not carry the same romantic symbolism as in Chinese culture, where mandarin ducks specifically symbolize lifelong partnership and devotion.
Word Family of 鸳
Compound Meaning
What does 鸳鸯 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 鸳
The female mandarin duck is called 鸳鸯 (yuānyāng), which refers to the pair, as '鸳' (yuān) is the male and '鸯' (yāng) is the female.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 鸳?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.