How to Write 窠 (kē) — Meaning “nest / burrow”

Imagine a bird's nest (穴) built among the branches of a fruit tree (果). The fruit tree provides both shelter and food, helping you recall that 窠 means a nest or burrow. Visualize the bird safely tucked in the cave-like nest on the tree.

Write the top radical 穴 first, making sure the cover (宀) is wide enough to cover the lower part. The bottom component 果 has 8 strokes; be careful to write the vertical stroke of 田 straight down into the 木 below. A common mistake is making the 穴 too narrow, which looks unbalanced.

窠 (kē) means a nest or burrow, focusing on a natural animal dwelling. 窑 (yáo) is a kiln or cave dwelling for humans, often used for firing pottery. 窒 (zhì) means to block or stop up, and its radical 穴 combines with 至 (arrive) to suggest something blocking a hole.

窠 is not common in daily conversation but appears in literary or formal contexts. It is often used in the word 窠臼 (kē jiù), meaning a set pattern or cliché, like a rut that is hard to escape. The word 鸟窠 (niǎo kē) for bird's nest is sometimes used in classical poetry.

Common words containing 窠 include: 窠臼 (kē jiù) — rut / cliché / set pattern; 鸟窠 (niǎo kē) — bird's nest; 窠巢 (kē cháo) — nest / lair.