天鹅

tiān’é

swan

HSK 7

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word 天鹅 (tiān’é) refers specifically to the swan, a large waterbird known for its graceful appearance and white plumage. It is often used in contexts related to nature, symbolism, and art.

Common Contexts

Swans are frequently mentioned in descriptions of lakes or rivers, symbolizing beauty, purity, and elegance. The term is also common in cultural references, such as ballet (e.g., "Swan Lake") or poetry.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 天鹅 (tiān’é hú): "Swan Lake," a famous ballet or a lake named after swans.
  • 天鹅 (tiān’é wǔ): "Swan dance," referring to dance movements inspired by swans.
  • 优雅天鹅 (yōuyǎ de tiān’é): "elegant swan," emphasizing gracefulness.

Usage Notes

When using 天鹅, speakers often imply elegance and beauty. It is a noun and typically appears as the subject or object in sentences. Avoid confusing 天鹅 with other waterfowl like 鸭子 (duck) or (goose), which have different connotations and appearances.

Example Sentences

湖面上有几只优雅的天鹅在游泳。

Hú miàn shàng yǒu jǐ zhī yōuyǎ de tiān’é zài yóuyǒng.

There are several elegant swans swimming on the lake.

天鹅象征着纯洁和美丽。

Tiān’é xiàngzhēng zhe chúnjié hé měilì.

Swans symbolize purity and beauty.

他在舞蹈中模仿天鹅的动作,非常优美。

Tā zài wǔdǎo zhōng mófǎng tiān’é de dòngzuò, fēicháng yōuměi.

He imitates the movements of a swan in the dance, very graceful.