Definitions

(noun) drum
(verb) to drum; to beat
(verb) to rouse; to encourage
(verb) to bulge; to swell

Etymology

Depicts a drumstick held in the hand () beating on a drum ().

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 鼓 visually depicts the act of playing a drum. Its left component, 壴, represents a drum on an ornate stand, while the right component, 攴, shows a hand holding a mallet. This combination illustrates striking a drum to create sound. As a noun, 鼓 means "drum"; as a verb, it means "to beat" or "to strike". Historically used on battlefields to coordinate troops and boost morale, the character's meaning naturally extended to abstract concepts like encouraging, rousing, or inspiring action.

Example Sentences Hide

声震天响。

Gǔ shēng zhèn tiān xiǎng.

The sound of drums shakes the sky.

他在练习打

Tā zài liànxí dǎ gǔ.

He is practicing playing the drum.

观众们热烈掌。

Guānzhòngmen rèliè gǔzhǎng.

The audience applauded warmly.

游行队伍敲着前进。

Yóuxíng duìwu qiāo zhe gǔ qiánjìn.

The parade marched forward while beating drums.

这个消息舞了所有人。

Zhège xiāoxi gǔwǔ le suǒyǒu rén.

This news inspired everyone.

他用言语动人们参与。

Tā yòng yányǔ gǔdòng rénmen cānyù.

He used words to incite people to participate.

老板励员工大胆创新。

Lǎobǎn gǔlì yuángōng dàdǎn chuàngxīn.

The boss encouraged the employees to innovate boldly.

在困境中他始终起勇气。

Zài kùnjìng zhōng tā shǐzhōng gǔ qǐ yǒngqì.

In difficult times, he always mustered up his courage.