鸳
mandarin duck; metaphor for couple
Meanings
2 senses · 10 examplesnoun
mandarin duck (male)
literaryIn traditional Chinese, 鸳 specifically refers to the male mandarin duck, and 鸯 refers to the female; now mostly used together as 鸳鸯 for the species.
Mandarin ducks are birds that symbolize love in traditional Chinese literature.
Ancient poems often use mandarin ducks as a metaphor for devoted couples.
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This pair of jade pendants is carved with mandarin duck patterns.
A flock of mandarin ducks are swimming on the park lake.
The mandarin ducks in this Chinese painting are vividly lifelike.
noun
metaphor for couple; spouse
literaryUsed in fixed compound 鸳侣 to refer to married couples or loving partners, often seen in formal or literary contexts.
They are a couple envied by everyone.
This married couple has spent fifty years hand in hand.
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The wedding decorations are full of mandarin duck couple imagery.
Ancient texts often use 鸳侣 to describe harmonious married couples.
People praise them as a perfect, loving couple.