Meanings of 鸠
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 鸠
Podcast: 鸠
Podcast: 鸠
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 鸠
In casual conversation, 鸠 is often used to refer to pigeons. However, in formal writing, it may appear less frequently. Students should be careful with tone; the first tone (jī) refers to a different word, so always use the second tone (jiū) when saying 鸠.
Although 鸠 is not included in the HSK levels, it relates to Level 3 vocabulary through its connection to animals and nature. Students should focus on recognizing this character's structure and pronunciation to enhance their reading comprehension.
Learners often confuse 鸠 (jiū) with 鸟 (niǎo), assuming they have the same meaning. Remember, 鸟 is the general term for bird, while 鸠 specifically refers to pigeons or turtledoves.
Pronunciation of 鸠
Drill the tone of 鸠 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 鸠
Phonosemantic compound. 鸟 represents the meaning and 九 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鳩.
bird
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 鸠
Phonosemantic compound. 鸟 represents the meaning and 九 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鳩.
- 1The meaning half鸟 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half九 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 鸠? 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 鸠?
Decomposition of 鸠
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 鸠?
How to say pigeon; to collect, to assemble in Chinese
“pigeon; to collect, to assemble” in Chinese is鸠
鸠 (jiū) primarily refers to a type of bird, specifically a pigeon or turtledove. It can also denote the action of gathering or assembling, often used in literary contexts. In Chinese culture, pigeons symbolize peace and harmony, which adds depth to its usage in poetry and literature.
When to use 鸠
In casual conversation, 鸠 is often used to refer to pigeons. However, in formal writing, it may appear less frequently. Students should be careful with tone; the first tone (jī) refers to a different word, so always use the second tone (jiū) when saying 鸠.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 鸠 (jiū) with 鸟 (niǎo), assuming they have the same meaning. Remember, 鸟 is the general term for bird, while 鸠 specifically refers to pigeons or turtledoves.
Write 鸠
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 鸠 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 鸠
鸠 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 3 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.
Complete the Sentence
因此即使罗密欧不姓蒙特____,我还是一样会爱他.
I would love Romeo if his name were not Montague.
Example Sentences for 鸠 (1)
Word Family of 鸠
Compound Meaning
What does 鸠 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 鸠
鸠 specifically refers to pigeons and turtledoves, while other characters like 鸟 (niǎo) refer more generally to birds.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 鸠?
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.