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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Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
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
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About 镈
镈Simplified
鎛Traditional
15Strokes
钅Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 镈
Podcast: 镈
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AI Study Notes for 镈
Memory Mnemonic
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'.
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.
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.
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.
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Pronunciation of 镈
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Cultural Notes for 镈
🏮Cultural insight
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.
Word Family of 镈
Words Containing This Character1
镈bóhoe鎛
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 镈 mean?
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.
镈 is pronounced as 'bó', with the second tone, similar to the word for 'wave'.
While mainly historical, you might still find it mentioned in discussions about traditional farming or ancient music.