About
The character "钟" is a simplified form that merges two traditional characters, "鐘" and "鍾", which shared the same phonetic component but had distinct semantic roots. Both traditional forms incorporate the radical 金 (metal), indicating their association with metal objects. "鐘" specifically denoted a metal bell or time-keeping instrument like a clock, while "鍾" referred to a vessel for containing liquids, such as a wine jar or cup. Over time, the meaning of "鍾" also extended to signify gathering or concentrating, as seen in the term "鍾情" (to focus one's affection). In their simplified unification, the character "钟" retains the metal radical but adopts 中 as a simpler phonetic component, and it now carries the combined primary meanings of "bell", "clock", and the surname Zhong, while the sense of a vessel has largely faded from common usage.
Example Sentences Hide
钟敲了三下。
我的闹钟早上六点响。
钟表店里有各种时钟。
他对音乐情有独钟。
这座钟楼是城市的标志。
钟声在夜空中回荡。
钟灵毓秀之地，人才辈出。
他们家族曾过着钟鸣鼎食的生活。