large bird; great swan
Literary term for a large bird, often a swan or similar majestic bird, used in classical Chinese and Japanese literature. Contrasts with 燕雀 (small birds) to symbolize greatness vs. mediocrity.
See also: 燕雀
great person; hero; magnanimous person
Metaphorical extension from the large bird sense; used in classical contexts to describe a person of great ambition, talent, or magnanimity. Often appears in the idiom 燕雀安んぞ鴻鵠の志を知らんや (How can a small bird understand the ambition of a great swan?).
See also: 燕雀
「鴻鵠」 refers to a large bird, contrasted with small birds like swallows and sparrows.
He harbored the ambition of a great swan, which small birds could not understand.