Definitions

zòu (verb) to play (music)
zòu (verb) to achieve; to accomplish
zòu (verb) to present; to report (to a superior)

Etymology

A report about (above) the emperor 

About

The character "奏" finds its etymological basis in the act of presenting or offering something upwards, particularly to a superior authority, a notion embedded within its structural makeup that integrates components suggestive of directed action and conveyance. Its early applications were primarily concerned with the submission of tangible tributes or written memorials, a function that naturally extended over time to encompass the performance of music, deriving from the formal custom of presenting artistic works in ritual or court settings. The character's form, stabilized through historical use, incorporates visual elements historically associated with hands in motion, consistent with its core ideas of delivery and execution. This semantic expansion from material offering to include auditory presentation led to its contemporary meanings, which straddle both the administrative realm of submitting documents and the artistic domain of playing musical instruments, all while preserving its original connotation of a formal, directed act.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Shang dynasty (~1100 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他正在演钢琴。

Tā zhèngzài yǎnzòu gāngqín.

He is playing the piano.

乐队演了一首新歌。

Yuèduì yǎnzòule yī shǒu xīn gē.

The band performed a new song.

这首曲子的节很快。

Zhè shǒu qǔzi de jiézòu hěn kuài.

The rhythm of this song is very fast.

他的建议最终效了。

Tā de jiànyì zuìzhōng zòuxiàole.

His suggestion finally proved effective.

音乐会上将响国歌。

Yīnyuè huì shàng jiāng zòu xiǎng guógē.

The national anthem will be played at the concert.

他为音乐会演鸣曲。

Tā wèi yīnyuèhuì yǎnzòule zòumíngqǔ.

He performed a sonata for the concert.

各种乐器共同出和谐乐章。

Gè zhǒng yuèqì gòngtóng zòu chū héxié yuèzhāng.

Various instruments together play a harmonious movement.

报告详细明了项目的进展。

Bàogào xiángxì zòumíngle xiàngmù de jìnzhǎn.

The report detailed the progress of the project.