Definitions

shēng sheng, a free reed wind instrument with vertical bamboo pipes

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. ⺮ represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "笙" specifically refers to a traditional Chinese mouth organ constructed from bamboo pipes, with its etymological composition clearly denoting this object through the semantic bamboo radical coupled with the phonetic component "生" that cues its pronunciation. Throughout its historical usage, the meaning has remained exclusively tied to this instrument, without semantic drift or expansion, as its design precisely encapsulates the essential qualities of its material and auditory function. This consistent application is reflected in classical literature and musical documentation, where the character maintains its singular reference, showcasing a stability in both form and meaning that aligns with the instrument's enduring cultural role.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

是一种传统乐器。

Shēng shì yī zhǒng chuántǒng yuèqì.

Sheng is a traditional musical instrument.

我喜欢听的演奏。

Wǒ xǐhuān tīng shēng de yǎnzòu.

I like listening to sheng performance.

音乐老师教我们吹

Yīnyuè lǎoshī jiāo wǒmen chuī shēng.

The music teacher teaches us to play sheng.

的声音悠扬动听。

Shēng de shēngyīn yōuyáng dòngtīng.

The sound of sheng is melodious and pleasant.

在古典乐队中,很重要。

Zài gǔdiǎn yuèduì zhōng, shēng hěn zhòngyào.

In classical orchestras, sheng is very important.

她每天练习,为了演出。

Tā měitiān liànxí shēng, wèile yǎnchū.

She practices sheng every day for the performance.

的构造复杂,需要精心制作。

Shēng de gòuzào fùzá, xūyào jīngxīn zhìzuò.

The structure of sheng is complex and requires careful craftsmanship.

虽然不如钢琴流行,但它的音色独特。

Suīrán shēng bùrú gāngqín liúxíng, dàn tā de yīnsè dútè.

Although sheng is not as popular as piano, its timbre is unique.