a type of standing harp, smaller than konghou 箜篌, with 5-25 strings
unknown, 13 strokes, radical 王, rank #5425, Hard
sè(se4) T4
1a large string instrument; to tremble, to vibrate
2a type of standing harp, smaller than konghou 箜篌, with 5-25 strings
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March 24, 2026
瑟sè(se4)
瑟 (sè) refers to a large string instrument used in traditional Chinese music, specifically a type of harp known for its resonant sound. Additionally, it can denote the act of trembling or vibrating, capturing the essence of movement or emotion associated with music. Commonly used in poetic contexts, it evokes feelings of nostalgia and sentimentality.
Strokes13Radical王Frequency#5425DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The 瑟 has a significant place in Chinese history, often featured in classical poetry and music, symbolizing elegance and deep emotional expression. It is associated with the cultural appreciation of music as an art form in ancient China.
Memory Tip
Imagine the character 瑟 as a beautiful harp with strings vibrating in the air, producing enchanting music. The radical 王 (wáng) suggests something precious, like jewels, while the shape of 瑟 resembles the strings of the harp, reminding you of its melodious nature.
Meanings of 瑟
sè(se4)
1a large string instrument; to tremble, to vibrate
2a type of standing harp, smaller than konghou 箜篌, with 5-25 strings
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 瑟
瑟Simplified
13Strokes
王Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 瑟
Podcast: 瑟
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AI Study Notes for 瑟
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine the character 瑟 as a beautiful harp with strings vibrating in the air, producing enchanting music. The radical 王 (wáng) suggests something precious, like jewels, while the shape of 瑟 resembles the strings of the harp, reminding you of its melodious nature.
Usage Notes
瑟 is often used in literary or poetic language rather than in everyday conversation. A common mistake is confusing it with similar-sounding words; ensure to use the correct tone (sè) to avoid misunderstandings. It collocates well with terms related to music and emotions.
HSK Study Tips
Although 瑟 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it connects with other music-related terms that may appear in advanced studies. Focus on its context within classical literature and how it relates to emotions in music, which can enhance understanding of emotional expression in Mandarin.
Cultural Note
The 瑟 has a significant place in Chinese history, often featured in classical poetry and music, symbolizing elegance and deep emotional expression. It is associated with the cultural appreciation of music as an art form in ancient China.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 瑟 with similar-sounding characters, especially in tone. For example, saying 'se' instead of 'sè' can lead to misunderstandings. Always practice the correct tone to convey the intended meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 瑟
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Grammar Patterns of 瑟
瑟 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
正如1892年剧本的副标题所强调的，《凯____琳》是一部“爱尔兰戏剧”。
"Kathleen" was, as its 1892 subtitle asserted, "An Irish Drama".
Example Sentences for 瑟 (10)
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1
正如1892年剧本的副标题所强调的，《凯瑟琳》是一部“爱尔兰戏剧”。
zhèng rú1892 1892 nián jù běn de fù biāo tí suǒ qiáng tiáo，《 de ，《 kǎi》 sè lín 》“ shì yī bù “ ài”。
"Kathleen" was, as its 1892 subtitle asserted, "An Irish Drama".
Mather was film critic on the Daily Telegraph for many years.
10
凯瑟琳·邦德从内罗毕向英国广播公司发送了那篇报道。
kǎi sè lín· · bāng dé cóng nèi luó bì xiàng yīng guó guǎng bō gōng sī fā sòng le nà piān bào。
Catherine Bond filed that report for the BBC from Nairobi.
Cultural Notes for 瑟
🏮Cultural insight
The 瑟 has a significant place in Chinese history, often featured in classical poetry and music, symbolizing elegance and deep emotional expression. It is associated with the cultural appreciation of music as an art form in ancient China.
Word Family of 瑟
Words Containing This Character16
瑟sèa type of standing harp, smaller than konghou 箜篌, with 5-25 strings
亚瑟Arthur (name)亞瑟
凯瑟琳Katherine凱瑟琳
约瑟夫Joseph (name)約瑟夫
卢瑟loser (loanword)盧瑟
瑟瑟trembling
麦克阿瑟General Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964), US commander in Pacific during WW2, sacked in 1951 by President Truman for exceeding orders during the Korean war麥克阿瑟
瑟瑟发抖to shiver瑟瑟發抖
萧瑟to rustle蕭瑟
约瑟Joseph (name)約瑟
阿瑟Arthur (name)
李约瑟Joseph Needham (1900-1995), British biochemist and author of Science and Civilization in China李約瑟
琴瑟marital harmony
亚瑟王King Arthur亞瑟王
瑟缩to shrink瑟縮
卢瑟福Rutherford (name)盧瑟福
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 瑟 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 瑟
瑟 is specifically a type of harp with a unique structure and sound, distinct from other string instruments like the guzheng or violin.
瑟 is often played in orchestras or solo performances to evoke deep emotions and is used in various musical compositions.
While瑟 is primarily associated with traditional music, some contemporary artists incorporate it into modern compositions for a unique sound.
