Definitions

xiāo xiao, a vertical bamboo flute

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. ⺮ represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character for the Chinese vertical flute, now written as "箫" in its simplified form and traditionally as "簫", is structurally composed of the bamboo radical atop the component "肃" or "肅", which historically provided phonetic guidance while also evoking associations with solemn and refined qualities. This construction directly mirrors the instrument's physical makeup from bamboo and the austere, elegant nature of its sound, which has been integral to classical and scholarly music for millennia. Throughout its historical usage, the character's core meaning has remained steadfastly fixed upon this specific wind instrument, with its etymological design perpetually reinforcing the connection between the material denoted by the bamboo radical and the cultural resonance suggested by the phonetic element, illustrating a stable alignment between form and meaning across the character's evolution.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Spring and Autumn (~600 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

是一种乐器。

Xiāo shì yī zhǒng yuèqì.

The xiao is a type of musical instrument.

他在吹奏

Tā zài chuīzòu xiāo.

He is playing the flute.

声优美动听。

Xiāo shēng yōuměi dòngtīng.

The sound of the flute is beautiful and pleasant.

她喜欢听的音乐。

Tā xǐhuān tīng xiāo de yīnyuè.

She likes listening to music played on the flute.

声从远处传来。

Xiāo shēng cóng yuǎnchù chuán lái.

The sound of the flute comes from afar.

学习吹需要耐心。

Xuéxí chuī xiāo xūyào nàixīn.

Learning to play the flute requires patience.

的旋律让夜晚更宁静。

Xiāo de xuánlǜ ràng yèwǎn gèng níngjìng.

The melody of the flute makes the night more peaceful.

尽管声低沉,却能表达深厚的情感。

Jǐnguǎn xiāo shēng dīchén, què néng biǎodá shēnhòu de qínggǎn.

Although the flute sound is low, it can express deep emotions.