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March 24, 2026
鑔chǎ(cha3)
The character 鑔 (chǎ) refers to a type of musical instrument known as cymbals, often used in orchestras and traditional Chinese music. Cymbals are typically made of metal and produce a loud, crashing sound, making them important for keeping rhythm or adding dramatic effects in music compositions.
Strokes22Radical釒Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese orchestras, cymbals (鑔) play a significant role in performances, especially during celebrations like the Lunar New Year, where their loud sound is believed to drive away evil spirits.
Memory Tip
Imagine a shiny pair of cymbals clashing together, creating a loud 'chǎ' sound. The character 鑔 has the radical 钅 (metal) indicating its metallic nature, which is essential for producing sound, while the rest of the character can remind you of the action of crashing cymbals.
Meanings of 鑔
chǎ(cha3)
1cymbals
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About 鑔
鑔Simplified
22Strokes
釒Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 鑔
Podcast: 鑔
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AI Study Notes for 鑔
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a shiny pair of cymbals clashing together, creating a loud 'chǎ' sound. The character 鑔 has the radical 钅 (metal) indicating its metallic nature, which is essential for producing sound, while the rest of the character can remind you of the action of crashing cymbals.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 鑔 with similar-sounding characters or mispronouncing the tone. It is typically used in more formal or artistic contexts related to music. Pay attention to the tone; using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
While 鑔 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, understanding this character can enhance your appreciation of Chinese music terminology. Focus on other musical instrument names to build a broader vocabulary in this area.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese orchestras, cymbals (鑔) play a significant role in performances, especially during celebrations like the Lunar New Year, where their loud sound is believed to drive away evil spirits.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 鑔 with other metal-related characters due to its radical. For instance, some might mistakenly use 钢 (steel) instead of 鑔 when discussing musical instruments.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 鑔
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Cultural Notes for 鑔
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese orchestras, cymbals (鑔) play a significant role in performances, especially during celebrations like the Lunar New Year, where their loud sound is believed to drive away evil spirits.
Word Family of 鑔
Words Containing This Character1
镲chǎsmall cymbals鑔
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 镲 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 鑔
It is pronounced as 'chǎ', with a falling-rising tone.
Cymbals are commonly used in both traditional Chinese music and modern orchestral performances.
Yes, there are various types, including crash, ride, and splash cymbals, each producing different sounds.
