Chinese Character: 锣
1. Character Basics
Radical: 钅 (jīn, metal radical)
Stroke Count: 13
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: luó (Second tone)
3. Meaning
Gong (a large bronze percussion instrument)
4. Common Words
- 锣鼓 (luógǔ) - gongs and drums
- 敲锣 (qiāoluó) - to beat a gong
- 铜锣 (tóngluó) - bronze gong
- 锣鼓喧天 (luógǔ xuāntiān) - a deafening sound of gongs and drums
- 鸣锣开道 (míngluó kāidào) - to beat gongs to clear the way
- 锣锤 (luóchuí) - gong mallet
- 大锣 (dàluó) - large gong
- 小锣 (xiǎoluó) - small gong
- 云锣 (yúnluó) - cloud gong (a set of small tuned gongs)
- 锣声 (luóshēng) - the sound of a gong
5. Grammar & Usage
The character "锣" is primarily used as a noun in Chinese grammar:
1. Referring to the instrument:
- 舞台上有一面大锣。(Wǔtái shàng yǒu yīmiàn dàluó.) - There is a large gong on the stage.
- 锣是中国传统乐器。(Luó shì Zhōngguó chuántǒng yuèqì.) - The gong is a traditional Chinese musical instrument.
2. In verb phrases:
- 他用力敲锣。(Tā yònglì qiāoluó.) - He beats the gong forcefully.
- 敲锣打鼓欢迎贵宾。(Qiāoluó dǎgǔ huānyíng guìbīn.) - Beat gongs and drums to welcome distinguished guests.
3. In idioms and set phrases:
- 锣鼓喧天 (luógǔ xuāntiān) - a scene of great rejoicing
- 鸣锣收兵 (míngluó shōubīng) - to beat the gong to retreat
- 一锣一鼓 (yī luó yī gǔ) - one gong and one drum (referring to simple percussion accompaniment)
6. Cultural Background
The gong ("锣") has a long history in Chinese culture, dating back over 2,000 years. It is an important percussion instrument in traditional Chinese music, often used in operas, folk music, and religious ceremonies. Gongs are also used in various cultural events and festivals, where their loud, resonant sound is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. In traditional Chinese military, gongs were used to signal troop movements. Today, the gong remains an iconic symbol of Chinese cultural heritage and is recognized worldwide. It's also worth noting that gongs are used in Chinese New Year celebrations, adding to the festive atmosphere with their distinctive sound.
7. Example Sentence
Chinese: 在春节期间，到处都能听到锣鼓声。
Pinyin: Zài Chūnjié qījiān, dàochù dōu néng tīngdào luógǔshēng.
English: During the Spring Festival, you can hear the sound of gongs and drums everywhere.
8. Memory Tips
The character "锣" consists of 钅 (jīn, metal radical) on the left and 罗 (luó) on the right. You can remember this character by associating the metal radical 钅 with the material (bronze or metal) of the instrument, and the right part 罗 with the pronunciation (luó). Together, they represent a metallic percussion instrument called a gong. Visualize the round shape of a gong and the sound it makes when struck.