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镈 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
镈bólarge bell; hoe, spadezg, 15 strokes, radical 钅
镈bóancient musical intrument shaped as a bellunknown, 15 strokes, radical 钅
bó(bo2)bo T2
  1. 1large bell; hoe, spade
  2. 2ancient musical intrument shaped as a bell
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March 24, 2026

镈(鎛)bó(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.

Strokes15Radical钅
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

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

By ear

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About 镈

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

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Podcast: 镈

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AI study notes for 镈

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.

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

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Etymology of 镈

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

bell

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

Origin

镈 = 钅 + 尃. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 镈

IDS Structure⿰钅尃
镈Full character
=
钅jin1
left
尃fu1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 镈?

How to say large bell; hoe, spade in Chinese

“large bell; hoe, spade” in Chinese is镈bó

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.

When to use 镈

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.

What learners get wrong

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.

Write 镈

镈

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

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Word Family of 镈

Words containing this character1
镈bóhoe鎛

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.

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