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鸽子 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
鸽子gēzipigeonHSK 7, n, rank #4212, Hard
鸽子gēzidoveHSK 7, n, rank #4212, Hard
鸽子gēzivarious birds of the species ColumbidaeHSK 7, n, rank #4212, Hard
鸽子gēzivarious birds of the family ColumbidaeHSK 7, unknown, rank #4212, Hard
gēzi(ge1zi5) T1
  1. 1pigeon
  2. 2dove
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March 24, 2026
鸽子(鴿子)gēzi(ge1zi5)

鸽子 (gēzi) refers to a type of bird commonly known as a pigeon or dove, belonging to the family Columbidae. These birds are often associated with peace and are frequently seen in urban settings, symbolizing tranquility and love in various cultures.

Frequency#4212DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the dove is often a symbol of peace and love, frequently featured in art and poetry. The imagery of releasing doves during weddings or celebrations is common, reflecting hope and new beginnings.

Memory Tip

Imagine a graceful dove (鸽子) cooing softly in the park. The character 鸽 has a 'bird' radical (鸟) at the top, reminding you it’s a bird, and the sound 'gē' can be linked to the gentle cooing of pigeons, while 'zi' sounds like 'see', as in 'see the dove'.

Meanings of 鸽子

gēzi(ge1zi5)
1pigeon
2dove
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 鸽子

鸽子Simplified
鴿子Traditional
Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#4212Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2

Podcast: 鸽子

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Podcast: 鸽子

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AI Study Notes for 鸽子

Quick Contrast

鸽子 (gēzi) vs 鸟 (niǎo) — use 鸽子 for specific reference to pigeons/doves, while 鸟 is a general term for birds.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a graceful dove (鸽子) cooing softly in the park. The character 鸽 has a 'bird' radical (鸟) at the top, reminding you it’s a bird, and the sound 'gē' can be linked to the gentle cooing of pigeons, while 'zi' sounds like 'see', as in 'see the dove'.

Usage Notes

鸽子 is used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is important to note that in formal discussions about wildlife or symbolism, using the full term is preferred. A common mistake is to confuse 鸽子 with other birds; ensure you are referring specifically to pigeons or doves.

HSK Study Tips

As a level 6 word, 鸽子 connects to themes of nature and symbolism in Chinese literature. Students should focus on recognizing related vocabulary about wildlife and the cultural significance of birds in Chinese poetry and art.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the dove is often a symbol of peace and love, frequently featured in art and poetry. The imagery of releasing doves during weddings or celebrations is common, reflecting hope and new beginnings.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 鸽子 with the term for 'chicken' (鸡, jī) due to similar pronunciation. Remember, 鸽子 refers specifically to pigeons and doves, not domestic birds.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 鸽子

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Component Characters

pigeon
11 strokes
View full entry
zison
HSK 33 strokes
View full entry

Write 鸽子

Practice writing 鸽子 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 鸽子

鸽子 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

一只____从塔里钻出来,扑扑地拍打着翅膀。

A pigeon emerges, wings flapping noisily, from the tower.

Example Sentences for 鸽子 (6)

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1
一只鸽子从塔里钻出来,扑扑地拍打着翅膀。

yī zhī gē zǐ cóng tǎ lǐ zuān chū lái, , pū pū dì pāi dǎ zháo chì。

A pigeon emerges, wings flapping noisily, from the tower.
2
鸽子们低声咕咕地叫着,扑扇着翅膀飞进飞出。

gē zǐ mén dī shēng gū gū dì jiào zháo, , pū shàn zháo chì bǎng fēi jìn fēi。

Pigeons fluttered in and out, cooing gently.
3
一只鸽子轻柔地咕咕叫。

yī zhī gē zǐ qīng róu dì gū gū jiào。

A dove cooed softly.
4
一只鸽子沿着屋顶大摇大摆地走, 有节奏地咕咕叫.

yī zhī gē zǐ yán zháo wū dǐng dà yáo dà bǎi dì zǒu, , yǒu jié zòu dì gū gū.

A pigeon strutted along the roof, cooing rhythmically.
5
鸽子从百英里之外返回窝巢.

gē zǐ cóng bǎi yīng lǐ zhī wài fǎn huí wō cháo.

The pigeon homed from a distance of 100 miles.
6
鸽子是一种定居的鸟.

gē zǐ shì yī zhǒng dìng jū de niǎo.

Pigeons are sedentary birds.

Cultural Notes for 鸽子

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, the dove is often a symbol of peace and love, frequently featured in art and poetry. The imagery of releasing doves during weddings or celebrations is common, reflecting hope and new beginnings.

Frequently Asked Questions about 鸽子

Not only; it can also refer to doves, as both belong to the same family (Columbidae).