Definitions

xiāo xiao, a vertical bamboo flute

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. ⺮ represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 箫, meaning a vertical bamboo flute, is a phono-semantic compound. Its upper radical ⺮ signifies the bamboo material, while the lower component 肃 serves as the phonetic element. In its traditional form 簫, the phonetic component was 肅, which means respectful or solemn, though its function here is primarily sound-related. Historically, this character has denoted an end-blown flute made of bamboo pipes, distinguishing it from transverse flutes by its construction and playing method. Although the instrument's physical details, such as the number of pipes or finger holes, have varied over time, the character's meaning remains firmly within this specific category of musical instrument, closely associated with the bamboo radical in traditional Chinese classification.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Spring and Autumn (~600 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

是一种乐器。

Xiāo shì yī zhǒng yuèqì.

The xiao is a type of musical instrument.

他在吹奏

Tā zài chuīzòu xiāo.

He is playing the flute.

声优美动听。

Xiāo shēng yōuměi dòngtīng.

The sound of the flute is beautiful and pleasant.

她喜欢听的音乐。

Tā xǐhuān tīng xiāo de yīnyuè.

She likes listening to music played on the flute.

声从远处传来。

Xiāo shēng cóng yuǎnchù chuán lái.

The sound of the flute comes from afar.

学习吹需要耐心。

Xuéxí chuī xiāo xūyào nàixīn.

Learning to play the flute requires patience.

的旋律让夜晚更宁静。

Xiāo de xuánlǜ ràng yèwǎn gèng níngjìng.

The melody of the flute makes the night more peaceful.

尽管声低沉,却能表达深厚的情感。

Jǐnguǎn xiāo shēng dīchén, què néng biǎodá shēnhòu de qínggǎn.

Although the flute sound is low, it can express deep emotions.