璈 (áo) - Ao — an ancient Chinese musical instrument & a type of large, flat, rectangular percussion instrument

璈Tone 2

áo ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

安傲

璈 · áo

Ao — an ancient Chinese musical instrument;

a type of large, flat, rectangular percussion instrument played by striking with a mallet.

Ao — an ancient Chinese musical instrumenta type of large, flat, rectangular percussion instrument

Usage highlights

Jade aoCloud aoAo musicAo instrumentAo soundAo player

Synonyms

  • 磬— qing - another ancient Chinese percussion instrument
  • 钟— bell, particularly ancient bronze bells

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The musician played the ao instrument (璈) during the ritual ceremony.
  • Ancient court music featured the ao (璈) among other instruments.
  • The ao (璈) produces a deep, resonant sound when struck.

Collocations

  • Jade ao(玉璈)
  • Cloud ao(云璈)
  • Ao music(璈乐)
  • Ao instrument(璈器)
  • Ao sound(璈声)
  • Ao player(璈师)

Idioms

  • Playing the ao and singing(击璈而歌)
  • Jade ao and golden pipes(玉璈金管)
  • Ao music filling the hall(璈乐盈庭)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The ao was an important ritual instrument in ancient Chinese court music and religious ceremonies.
  • It was often associated with divine or imperial music, believed to connect heaven and earth.
  • The character contains the jade radical (玉), indicating its typical construction from precious materials.

FAQ