Definitions

chǎ cymbals

Etymology phono-semantic

bell

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

is a phono-semantic compound: its left-side radical ('metal') places it in the semantic category of metallic objects, while the right-side component serves as the phonetic, indicating the pronunciation. In traditional script, it is written with the full radical . It names small, hand-held cymbals, a percussion instrument consisting of two metal discs clashed together to produce a bright, ringing sound, and is widely used in traditional Chinese music, folk performances, and orchestral instrumentation.