How to Write 鸢 (yuān) — Meaning “Kite (bird)”

Picture a bird (鸟) carrying an arrow (弋) in its claws — this is the kite bird, known for swooping down fast. Alternatively, remember that the top part looks like a kite string and the bottom is the bird.

Write the top component 弋 with three strokes: horizontal, then a diagonal hook, and finally a dot. The bottom 鸟 should be wider than 弋, and make sure the dot in 弋 does not touch the bird below.

鸢 has 弋 on top and 鸟 below, while 袅 has 鸟 on top and 衣 (clothing) below, meaning 'slender and delicate'. 鸠 has 九 on the left and 鸟 on the right, meaning 'turtledove'. Focus on the different components around 鸟.

It appears in 纸鸢 (paper kite, the toy) and 鸢尾 (iris flower, named for its petal shape). It is also used in names and classical poetry, often symbolizing freedom or high ambition.

Common words containing 鸢 include: 纸鸢 (zhǐ yuān) — kite; 鸢尾 (yuān wěi) — Iris; 飞鸢 (fēi yuān) — kite.