About
The character 笛 is a phono-semantic compound: the upper part is a reduced form of 竹 (bamboo), which tells you the instrument is usually made of bamboo, while the lower part 由 (yóu) gives the character its sound. Originally, 笛 referred to a transverse bamboo flute, a traditional Chinese wind instrument played by blowing across a mouthhole and stopping holes to change pitch. Over time, its usage broadened to include other devices that make a loud, sharp sound when air rushes through them, like a siren, a steam whistle on a train, or a car horn.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他喜欢吹笛子。
我在学习吹笛子。
笛子的声音很好听。
每天下午他练习吹笛子。
火车汽笛声响了。
他用笛子演奏了一首民歌。
笛声在寂静的夜晚格外清晰。
那位音乐家以精湛的笛艺闻名。
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