Crane in Chinese
The Chinese word for crane is 鹤 (hè). The single character for the crane, a classic symbol in Chinese art. In traditional characters it is written 鶴.
hè
Crane
What 鹤 means.
The red-crowned crane is a symbol of long life and wisdom in China, often painted with pine trees. 鹤寿 (“crane years”) is a wish for a long life, and in legend immortals ride cranes.
- 鹤
- crane
Simplified and traditional
鹤
鶴
Both are correct and mean the same. Traditional 鶴 keeps the older, fuller shape that calligraphy grew up with; simplified 鹤 is what most Chinese readers use today. Our seal and clerical styles write it in the traditional form.
About crane in Chinese
How do you write crane in Chinese?
Crane is 鹤 in Chinese, pronounced hè. Crane
How do you pronounce 鹤?
Say hè (fourth tone, falling). Mandarin tones change meaning, so it is worth listening to a native speaker once.
Is 鹤 different in traditional Chinese?
Yes. The traditional form is 鶴, used in Taiwan, Hong Kong and classical calligraphy; 鹤 is the simplified form used in mainland China and Singapore. Both are correct.
Is 鹤 a good Chinese tattoo?
Yes, it is a real, everyday Chinese word rather than a machine translation, so Chinese readers will understand it. As a single character it works even at small sizes. Choose a readable style such as Kaishu, bring a clean reference to your artist, and show it to a fluent reader before your appointment.