檟 (jiǎ) - Catalpa tree — a type of deciduous tree & historically used to make coffins and musical instruments.

檟Tone 3

jiǎ ｜ 17 strokes ｜ radical:

嘉健

檟 · jiǎ

Catalpa tree — a type of deciduous tree native to East Asia, valued for its timber;

historically used to make coffins and musical instruments.

Catalpa tree — a type of deciduous treehistorically used to make coffins and musical instruments.

Usage highlights

Catalpa treeCatalpa woodCatalpa coffinChinese catalpaCatalpa instrumentCatalpa timber

Synonyms

  • 梓— Chinese catalpa (similar tree species)
  • 楸— Another type of catalpa tree

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The catalpa tree (檟树) produces beautiful flowers.
  • Ancient texts mention catalpa wood for coffins (棺檟).
  • This zither is made from catalpa wood (檟木).
  • The catalpa ovata is native to China (中国原产的梓檟).

Collocations

  • Catalpa tree(檟树)
  • Catalpa wood(檟木)
  • Catalpa coffin(棺檟)
  • Chinese catalpa(梓檟)
  • Catalpa instrument(檟琴)
  • Catalpa timber(檟材)

Idioms

  • Catalpa and coffin(棺檟之木)
  • Catalpa timber for instruments(檟材为琴)
  • Planting catalpa for future use(植檟待用)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Catalpa trees were historically associated with death and mourning, as their wood was commonly used for coffins.
  • The wood was also prized for making high-quality musical instruments, particularly guqins (zithers).
  • In classical literature, catalpa often appears in poetic contexts about nature and transience.

FAQ