How to Write 鹄 (gǔ) — Meaning “Swan”

Imagine a swan (鸟) standing tall and announcing its presence with a loud call (告). The left part 告 reminds you that a swan's cry is distinctive, helping you link the character to its meaning.

Write the left component 告 first (9 strokes), then the right component 鸟 (3 strokes). Keep the left side slightly narrower and taller, while the right side should be wider to balance the character. A common mistake is making the left part too wide.

鹄 has 鸟 on the right and 告 on the left, meaning swan. 袅 (niǎo) contains 鸟 and 衣 (clothing), meaning slender or curling smoke. 鸪 (gū) has 鸟 and 古 (ancient), used in words like 鹧鸪 (partridge). Focus on the left component to tell them apart.

鹄 is not common alone but appears in the classical idiom 鸿鹄之志 (hóng gǔ zhī zhì), meaning a lofty ambition. It describes someone with great aspirations, similar to the English phrase "aim high like a swan." This word is used in literary or formal contexts.

Common words containing 鹄 include: 鸿鹄 (hóng gǔ) — Swan / A person with great ambitions; 鹄立 (gǔ lì) — To stand on tiptoe / To wait expectantly; 鹄望 (gǔ wàng) — To look forward to eagerly.