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铎 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
铎duósurname Duounknown, 10 strokes, radical 钅, rank #25201, Very Hard
铎duóbell; surnamenr, 10 strokes, radical 钅, rank #25201, Very Hard
duó(Duo2)duo T2
  1. 1surname Duo
  2. 2bell; surname
Also a Chinese surname, Duo — see the Surname Dictionary
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

铎(鐸)duó(Duo2)

The character 铎 (duó) primarily means 'bell' and is often associated with ceremonial or significant bells used in traditional Chinese contexts. It can also serve as a surname, though this usage is less common than its meaning as a bell. In contexts of traditional music or rituals, it signifies a specific type of bell that carries cultural significance.

Strokes10Radical钅Frequency#25201DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, bells like the 铎 are often used in festivals and ceremonies, symbolizing luck and the calling of spirits. They are an essential part of traditional music ensembles, particularly in temple settings.

Memory tip

Imagine a large, shiny bell made of metal (the radical '金' for metal) ringing out melodious sounds, which helps you remember that 铎 means 'bell.' The pronunciation 'duó' can be remembered by picturing a bell that you 'draw' attention to when it rings loudly.

Meanings of 铎

duó(Duo2)
1bell; surname
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 铎

铎Simplified
鐸Traditional
10Strokes
钅Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 铎

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Podcast: 铎

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AI study notes for 铎

Usage Notes

When using 铎 in sentences, be aware that it is more formal and is often found in literary or historical texts. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding characters or using it in casual conversation, where simpler terms might be preferred. Ensure the tone is accurate, as it is pronounced with a rising tone.

HSK Study Tips

Although 铎 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, learners at this level can connect it to related terms, like 钟 (zhōng, clock/bell) and 音 (yīn, sound). Focus on understanding its use in cultural contexts rather than its frequency in everyday conversation.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 铎 with similar characters like 错 (cuò) or 夺 (duó) due to similar pronunciation. A common mistake is using the wrong tone, saying 'duo' instead of 'duó,' which can change the meaning entirely.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 铎

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Etymology of 铎

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

bell

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

Origin

What kind of character is 铎?

Decomposition of 铎

IDS Structure⿰钅?
铎Full character
=
钅jin1
left
Exercise 1 of 1

Parts

Which of these is part of 铎?

How to say surname Duo in Chinese

“surname Duo” in Chinese is铎duó

The character 铎 (duó) primarily means 'bell' and is often associated with ceremonial or significant bells used in traditional Chinese contexts. It can also serve as a surname, though this usage is less common than its meaning as a bell. In contexts of traditional music or rituals, it signifies a specific type of bell that carries cultural significance.

When to use 铎

When using 铎 in sentences, be aware that it is more formal and is often found in literary or historical texts. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding characters or using it in casual conversation, where simpler terms might be preferred. Ensure the tone is accurate, as it is pronounced with a rising tone.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 铎 with similar characters like 错 (cuò) or 夺 (duó) due to similar pronunciation. A common mistake is using the wrong tone, saying 'duo' instead of 'duó,' which can change the meaning entirely.

Write 铎

铎

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

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Grammar patterns of 铎

铎 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 3

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

他于1982年被任命为天主教司____。

He was ordained a Catholic priest in

Example sentences for 铎 (2)

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1
他于1982年被任命为天主教司铎。

tā yú1982 nián bèi rènmìng wèi tiānzhǔjiào Sī duó。

He was ordained a Catholic priest in
2
跟我们都铎风格的房间比起来,这个房间显得素雅而大气。

gēn wǒmen dōu duó fēnggé de fángjiān bǐqǐ lái, zhège fángjiān xiǎnde sù yǎ ér dàqì。

The room was light and lofty compared with our Tudor ones.

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Word Family of 铎

Words containing this character2
铎duósurname Duo鐸
司铎priest司鐸
Exercise 1 of 1

Words with 铎

What does 司铎 mean?

Frequently asked questions about 铎

The main use of 铎 is to refer to a specific type of ceremonial or significant bell in traditional contexts.

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