· crane
animal
💡 How to pronounce

h → like the 'h' in 'hot'. è → like 'uh' with a falling tone.

📖 The Story

鹤 is the crane — a majestic bird that symbolizes longevity, grace, and immortality. In Chinese mythology, cranes are the companions of immortals and are often depicted flying through the clouds.

🎬 In Culture Today

The crane is a popular subject in Chinese art and literature. The phrase '鹤发童颜' (hè fà tóng yán) describes an old person with white hair but a youthful face — it's a compliment for elders.

📚 Words

bái hèwhite crane
xiān hèimmortal crane
hè lì jī qúna crane among chickens

📝 Example Sentences

仙鹤在天空中飞翔。

Xiānhè zài tiānkōng zhōng fēixiáng.

The crane flies in the sky.

鹤立鸡群。

Hè lì jī qún.

A crane among chickens.