About
The character 戛 is an ideogram originally depicting striking someone on the nose, combining 戈 'halberd' (a weapon implying a forceful blow) and 自 'nose' (the target). It represents the act of striking or tapping, often producing a sharp, abrupt sound. In classical texts, it referred to the clear ringing of struck jade, metal, or other resonant materials, and the rhythmic beating of musical instruments. It also frequently appears in literary idioms meaning a sudden stop or abrupt cessation of sound or action.
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