旝 (kuài) - Ancient signal flag used in warfare & also refers to a type of ancient military

旝Tone 4

kuài ｜ 19 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

旝 · kuài

Ancient signal flag used in warfare;

also refers to a type of ancient military chariot or a signal arrow.

Ancient signal flag used in warfarealso refers to a type of ancient military

Usage highlights

Signal flagMilitary signalCommand flagSignal arrowWar chariotRaise the signal

Synonyms

  • 旗— flag; banner
  • 旌— banner; pennant
  • 帜— flag; sign

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The general raised the signal flag (旝) to command the troops.
  • Ancient texts mention the use of signal arrows (旝) in battle.
  • The chariot formation was directed by the movement of the signal flags (旝).

Collocations

  • Signal flag(旝旗)
  • Military signal(军旝)
  • Command flag(令旝)
  • Signal arrow(旝矢)
  • War chariot(战旝)
  • Raise the signal(举旝)

Idioms

  • Raise the flag and sound the drum(举旝鸣鼓)
  • Signal flags and fire beacons(旝烽)
  • The flag points and the army moves(旝指兵动)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Appears in classical Chinese military texts describing ancient battlefield communication systems.
  • Used during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods for long-distance signaling.
  • Mentioned in historical records like the Zuo Zhuan as a key tool for military coordination.

FAQ