About
The character 鼓 depicts a drum being played. The left component, 壴, is a drum on a vertical stand, often featuring ornamental decorations on top. The right component, 支, shows a hand gripping a drumstick. This construction directly mirrors the etymology: a drumstick held in the hand (支) beating on a drum (壴). Together, they form a vivid picture of the act of striking a drum to produce sound. 鼓 functions as both the noun 'drum' and the verb 'to beat' or 'to strike.' Because drums were used on battlefields to signal troop movements and boost morale, the verb also took on the extended abstract meanings of encouraging, rousing, or inspiring action.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
鼓声震天响。
他在练习打鼓。
观众们热烈鼓掌。
游行队伍敲着鼓前进。
这个消息鼓舞了所有人。
他用言语鼓动人们参与。
老板鼓励员工大胆创新。
在困境中他始终鼓起勇气。
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