Definitions

chí bamboo flute with 7 or 8 holes

Etymology phono-semantic

bamboo

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

is an ancient Chinese transverse bamboo flute with eight finger holes, played prominently in formal state ceremonies and classical court music. The character combines the semantic radical (bamboo) at the top, indicating a bamboo object, with the phonetic component below, which gives its sound. Frequently performed in harmonious duet with the xun, another ancient wind instrument, came to represent brotherly harmony and familial affection in classical poetry and literary idioms.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern