Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
镈 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
large bell; hoe, spadezg, 15 strokes, radical 钅, Very Hard
ancient musical intrument shaped as a bellunknown, 15 strokes, radical 钅, Very Hard
(bo2) T2
  1. 1large bell; hoe, spade
  2. 2ancient musical intrument shaped as a bell
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
(鎛)(bo2)

The character 镈 (bó) refers to a large bell or a type of hoe and spade used in agricultural practices. It can also signify an ancient musical instrument shaped like a bell. In various contexts, it emphasizes the importance of these tools and instruments in traditional Chinese society and culture.

Strokes15RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In ancient China, large bells were not only musical instruments but also played a role in rituals and ceremonies, symbolizing authority and community. The usage of hoes and spades reflects traditional agricultural practices that are still relevant in rural China today.

Memory Tip

Imagine a giant bell (镈) hanging in a field, where farmers use their hoes (spades) to tend to crops underneath it. The sound of the bell reminds them of their work, connecting the image of the bell with the pronunciation 'bó'.

Meanings of 镈

(bo2)
1large bell; hoe, spade
2ancient musical intrument shaped as a bell
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 镈

Simplified
Traditional
15Strokes
Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 镈

JasonAmy

Podcast:

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 镈

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a giant bell (镈) hanging in a field, where farmers use their hoes (spades) to tend to crops underneath it. The sound of the bell reminds them of their work, connecting the image of the bell with the pronunciation 'bó'.

Usage Notes

This character is less commonly used in modern contexts, so learners might confuse it with similar-sounding words. It is more likely to appear in historical or literary texts. Be cautious with its pronunciation, ensuring the correct tone is used.

HSK Study Tips

Although 镈 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects with other agricultural and musical terms. Students should focus on the radical components and related characters to expand their vocabulary in these fields.

Cultural Note

In ancient China, large bells were not only musical instruments but also played a role in rituals and ceremonies, symbolizing authority and community. The usage of hoes and spades reflects traditional agricultural practices that are still relevant in rural China today.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 镈 with similar characters like 锅 (guō) meaning 'pot' due to their similar structures. Always remember that 镈 is associated with bells and agricultural tools, not cookware.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 镈

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Etymology of 镈

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

bell

Semantic (meaning)
+
Phonetic (sound)
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 镈?

Decomposition of 镈

IDS Structure⿰钅尃
Full Character
=
jin1
left
fu1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 镈?

Write 镈

Practice writing stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Cultural Notes for 镈

🏮Cultural insight

In ancient China, large bells were not only musical instruments but also played a role in rituals and ceremonies, symbolizing authority and community. The usage of hoes and spades reflects traditional agricultural practices that are still relevant in rural China today.

Word Family of 镈

Words Containing This Character1
hoe
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 镈 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 镈

镈 specifically refers to a hoe or spade, while other tools may serve different agricultural purposes, like plows or sickles.