奏

zòu

天 + 𡗗

Definitions

zòu (verb) to play (music)

zòu (verb) to achieve; to accomplish

zòu (verb) to present; to report (to a superior)

Etymology

A report about (above) the emperor 天

About

奏 primarily means playing a musical instrument or performing a piece, and historically presenting a formal written memorial to a reigning emperor. Early forms depicted two hands respectfully offering an object or plant, symbolizing a formal presentation to a superior. The modern character combines an upper element (once hands) with 天 (tiān), "sky" or "heaven", a report above the emperor. Over time, the meaning shifted from offering tribute to a ruler to predominantly musical performance.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Oracle etymology image

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Oracle etymology image

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Oracle etymology image

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Late Shang dynasty (~1100 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)

Seal etymology image

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Seal etymology image

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Seal etymology image

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他正在演奏钢琴。

Tā zhèngzài yǎnzòu gāngqín.

He is playing the piano.

乐队演奏了一首新歌。

Yuèduì yǎnzòule yī shǒu xīn gē.

The band performed a new song.

这首曲子的节奏很快。

Zhè shǒu qǔzi de jiézòu hěn kuài.

The rhythm of this song is very fast.

他的建议最终奏效了。

Tā de jiànyì zuìzhōng zòuxiàole.

His suggestion finally proved effective.

音乐会上将奏响国歌。

Yīnyuè huì shàng jiāng zòu xiǎng guógē.

The national anthem will be played at the concert.

他为音乐会演奏了奏鸣曲。

Tā wèi yīnyuèhuì yǎnzòule zòumíngqǔ.

He performed a sonata for the concert.

各种乐器共同奏出和谐乐章。

Gè zhǒng yuèqì gòngtóng zòu chū héxié yuèzhāng.

Various instruments together play a harmonious movement.

报告详细奏明了项目的进展。

Bàogào xiángxì zòumíngle xiàngmù de jìnzhǎn.

The report detailed the progress of the project.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

Component: 天

Component: 𡗗

Example Words