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镲 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
镲chǎcymbalsn, 19 strokes, radical 钅
镲chǎsmall cymbalsunknown, 19 strokes, radical 钅
chǎ(cha3) T3
  1. 1cymbals
  2. 2small cymbals
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

镲(鑔)chǎ(cha3)

The character 镲 (chǎ) refers to small cymbals, often used in musical performances to create sharp, resonant sounds. These instruments are typically played in pairs and are common in traditional Chinese music, as well as in various cultural celebrations and performances.

Strokes19Radical钅
Cultural Note

Cymbals play a significant role in traditional Chinese orchestras, especially during festivals and celebrations where music is integral to the festivities. Their sound is often associated with joy and celebration.

Memory Tip

Imagine a pair of shiny cymbals clashing together to create music. The character 镲 has the metal radical 钅, which connects it to the idea of metallic instruments, while the 'chǎ' sound can be remembered by thinking of a 'charming' sound made when they strike each other.

Meanings of 镲

chǎ(cha3)
1cymbals
2small cymbals
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 镲

镲Simplified
鑔Traditional
19Strokes
钅Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 镲

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Podcast: 镲

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AI Study Notes for 镲

Usage Notes

镲 is often used in contexts involving music and performance. Be cautious with its tone; it is pronounced with a third tone (chǎ), which can easily be confused with other characters in the second tone. Common collocations include '打镲' (to play cymbals).

HSK Study Tips

While 镲 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it is a useful term for learners interested in music. Students should also practice related musical vocabulary, such as 乐器 (yuèqì, musical instrument) to enhance their understanding.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 镲 with similar-sounding characters, such as 查 (chá, to check) due to the tonal differences. It's important to practice the pronunciation to avoid mixing them up.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 镲

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Etymology of 镲

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

bell

Semantic (meaning)钅
+
Phonetic (sound)察
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 镲

  1. 1The meaning half钅 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half察 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawaybell
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 镲? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 镲?

Decomposition of 镲

IDS Structure⿰钅察
镲Full Character
=
钅jin1
left
察Cha2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 镲?

How to say cymbals in Chinese

“cymbals” in Chinese is镲chǎ

The character 镲 (chǎ) refers to small cymbals, often used in musical performances to create sharp, resonant sounds. These instruments are typically played in pairs and are common in traditional Chinese music, as well as in various cultural celebrations and performances.

When to use 镲

镲 is often used in contexts involving music and performance. Be cautious with its tone; it is pronounced with a third tone (chǎ), which can easily be confused with other characters in the second tone. Common collocations include '打镲' (to play cymbals).

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 镲 with similar-sounding characters, such as 查 (chá, to check) due to the tonal differences. It's important to practice the pronunciation to avoid mixing them up.

Write 镲

镲

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Word Family of 镲

Words Containing This Character1
镲chǎsmall cymbals鑔
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 镲 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 镲

In Chinese music, you may encounter various types of cymbals, such as larger ones used in orchestras and smaller ones like 镲 that are often used in folk performances.

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