鶴

Noun referring to the crane (Grus). Beyond its biological sense, it frequently serves as a symbol of longevity and transcendence. It may function as shorthand for immortals (仙) or describe their vehicle (e.g., 騎鶴, "riding a crane"). When used attributively, it typically denotes elegance, lean nobility, or a solitary disposition.

In descriptive passages lacking spiritual overtones, the term may not strictly distinguish between the crane and other large wading birds, such as the stork (鸛).

Simplified variant: 鹤 (U+9E64).

The translator should determine whether the glyph refers to a biological bird or serves as a signifier for spiritual purity and detachment from the mundane.