How to Write 鸽 (gē) — Meaning “Pigeon / Dove”

Imagine a dove carrying an olive branch, and notice that the left part 合 looks like a roof joining two sides. This "joining roof" reminds you that a dove brings peace and connects people. Picture the bird (鸟) under that roof of peace.

Write the left part 合 first: a left-falling stroke, then a downward-right stroke, then a horizontal line, a vertical line, and a box for 口. Then write the right part 鸟: start with a short left-falling stroke and a dot on top, then follow the standard 鸟 strokes. Be careful not to make the left part too wide, and ensure the dot on 鸟 is present.

鸽 (gē) has left part 合 and means "pigeon/dove." 袅 (niǎo) has left part 衣 (clothing) and means "slender" or "curling," like smoke. 鸥 (ōu) has left part 区 and means "seagull." The visual difference is the left-side radical: 合 vs 衣 vs 区.

鸽 appears in common words like 鸽子 (pigeon), 和平鸽 (dove of peace), and 信鸽 (carrier pigeon). It is also used in symbolic contexts—the dove represents peace, inspired by Western tradition but widely recognized in China. Although not in HSK, you’ll see it in parks, news about peace events, and pigeon-keeping hobbies.

Common words containing 鸽 include: 鸽子 (gē zi) — Pigeon / Dove; 和平鸽 (hé píng gē) — dove of peace; 信鸽 (xìn gē) — carrier pigeon; homing pigeon.