皷 (gǔ) - drum & to beat a drum

皷Tone 3

gǔ ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

枫惠

皷 · gǔ

drum;

to beat a drum;

to rouse;

to excite;

an ancient percussion instrument

drumto beat a drumto rouse

Usage highlights

beat the drumdrum towerdrum soundwar drummorning drumdrum and bell

Synonyms

  • 鼓— drum (standard simplified form)
  • 擂— to beat a drum

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The drummer beat the drum (击皷).
  • Ancient armies used drums to signal attacks (鸣皷进军).
  • He drummed up support for the campaign (鼓动支持).
  • The drum tower stood in the city center (皷楼).

Collocations

  • beat the drum(击皷)
  • drum tower(皷楼)
  • drum sound(皷声)
  • war drum(战皷)
  • morning drum(晨皷)
  • drum and bell(钟皷)

Idioms

  • Beat the drum and advance(鸣皷而攻)
  • Morning bell and evening drum(晨钟暮皷)
  • Drumming and singing(击皷传花)
  • Rebel army beats the drum(重整旗皷)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Drums were crucial military instruments in ancient China for signaling commands and boosting morale.
  • In traditional Chinese culture, drums were used in religious ceremonies, festivals, and official announcements.
  • Drum towers were common architectural features in ancient Chinese cities for timekeeping and emergency alerts.

FAQ