How to Write 雎 (jū) — Meaning “Osprey”

Picture the left side "且" as a pair of binoculars used to spot a bird, and the right side "隹" as the bird itself — an osprey diving for fish. This visual combines the act of watching with the bird, helping you recall both components. Remember: "binoculars (且) + bird (隹) = osprey (雎)."

Pay attention to the width: the left part "且" is narrow and slightly shorter, while the right "隹" is wider and extends lower. A common mistake is making the four horizontal strokes in "隹" uneven — keep them parallel and evenly spaced. Also, ensure the vertical stroke in "且" does not cross the bottom horizontal line.

雎 (jū) means "osprey" and has the left component "且," while 雀 (què) means "sparrow" or "small bird" and combines "小" (small) on top with "隹" below. Visually, 雎 has a balanced left-right structure, but 雀 is top-bottom. Their meanings and pronunciations are completely different.

雎 is rarely used alone today, but it appears in classical texts like the poem "关雎" (Guān Jū), the first poem in the Classic of Poetry. In modern Chinese, it may also appear in place names like 雎水 (a river) or in the compound word 雎鸠 (osprey). Knowing 雎 helps you understand one of the most famous ancient Chinese poems about love and courtship.

Common words containing 雎 include: 雎鸠 (jū jiū) — Osprey; 关雎 (guān jū) — Guan Ju (the first poem in the Classic of Poetry); 雎水 (jū shuǐ) — Ju River.