Meanings of 磬
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About 磬
Podcast: 磬
Podcast: 磬
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AI Study Notes for 磬
While 磬 is a specific term for this type of instrument, learners might confuse it with more general terms for musical instruments like 乐器 (yuèqì). It is more commonly used in formal contexts, such as in musicology or traditional ceremonies, rather than everyday conversation.
Though 磬 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it provides a good opportunity to expand your knowledge of musical instruments in Chinese. Students should focus on related vocabulary like 乐器 (yuèqì - musical instrument) and practice pronunciation to differentiate it from similar-sounding words.
Learners may confuse 磬 with similar-sounding words like 清 (qīng), which means 'clear' or 'pure.' Remember that 磬 specifically refers to the musical instrument, highlighting the importance of context.
Pronunciation of 磬
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Etymology of 磬
Pictograph of a hand striking a musical stone chime with a stick.
Stone 石 chimes 殸; 殸 also provides the pronunciation
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 磬
Pictograph of a hand striking a musical stone chime with a stick.
- 1The giveawayStone 石 chimes 殸; 殸 also provides the pronunciation
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 磬? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 磬
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How to say musical instrument; a kind of xylophone in Chinese
“musical instrument; a kind of xylophone” in Chinese is磬
磬 (qìng) refers to a traditional Chinese musical instrument resembling a xylophone, typically made of stone or jade. It is played by striking the pieces with mallets, producing resonant chimes that are often used in ceremonial and religious contexts.
When to use 磬
While 磬 is a specific term for this type of instrument, learners might confuse it with more general terms for musical instruments like 乐器 (yuèqì). It is more commonly used in formal contexts, such as in musicology or traditional ceremonies, rather than everyday conversation.
What learners get wrong
Learners may confuse 磬 with similar-sounding words like 清 (qīng), which means 'clear' or 'pure.' Remember that 磬 specifically refers to the musical instrument, highlighting the importance of context.
Write 磬
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Practice writing 磬 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 磬
Compound Meaning
What does 磬 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 磬
磬 specifically refers to a type of stone or jade xylophone, while other instruments may be made from different materials or have different playing techniques.
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