簘 (xiāo) - Xiao — a type of vertical end-blown bamboo

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簘 · xiāo

Xiao — a type of vertical end-blown bamboo flute used in Chinese classical music, similar to but distinct from the dizi.

Xiao — a type of vertical end-blown bamboo

Usage highlights

play the xiaoxiao melodyxiao musicbamboo xiaoxiao soundxiao performance

Synonyms

  • 箫— xiao flute (standard simplified form)
  • 洞箫— dongxiao (another name for the vertical xiao)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He plays the xiao flute beautifully (吹簘吹得很美).
  • The sound of the xiao is serene and meditative (簘声宁静而冥想).
  • Traditional Chinese music often features the xiao (传统中国音乐常使用簘).
  • She is learning to play the xiao (她在学吹簘).

Collocations

  • play the xiao(吹簘)
  • xiao melody(簘曲)
  • xiao music(簘乐)
  • bamboo xiao(竹簘)
  • xiao sound(簘声)
  • xiao performance(簘演奏)

Idioms

  • The sound of the xiao and the color of the moon(簘声月色)
  • Playing the xiao to attract the phoenix(吹簘引凤)
  • The xiao and the pipe(管簘之乐)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The xiao is one of the oldest Chinese musical instruments, with a history of over 3,000 years.
  • It is particularly associated with scholarly refinement and meditative practices.
  • The instrument is often depicted in classical Chinese poetry and painting.

FAQ