簫 (xiāo) - Xiao — a vertical end-blown bamboo flute used & also refers to similar wind instruments.

簫Tone 1

xiāo ｜ 19 strokes ｜ radical:

想信

簫 · xiāo

Xiao — a vertical end-blown bamboo flute used in Chinese classical music;

also refers to similar wind instruments.

Xiao — a vertical end-blown bamboo flute usedalso refers to similar wind instruments.

Usage highlights

Play the xiaoSound of the xiaoBamboo xiaoXiao melodyXiao and fluteJade xiao

Synonyms

  • 洞簫— Dongxiao - specific type of vertical bamboo flute
  • 豎笛— Vertical flute (general term)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He plays the xiao beautifully (吹簫吹得很好).
  • The sound of the xiao is serene and meditative (簫声).
  • This ancient xiao is made of purple bamboo (紫竹簫).
  • Xiao and guqin duet is a classic combination (琴簫合奏).

Collocations

  • Play the xiao(吹簫)
  • Sound of the xiao(簫声)
  • Bamboo xiao(竹簫)
  • Xiao melody(簫曲)
  • Xiao and flute(簫笛)
  • Jade xiao(玉簫)

Idioms

  • Playing the xiao to attract the phoenix(吹簫引鳳)
  • The xiao of Qin and the sword of Chu(秦簫楚劍)
  • Wu Zixu played the xiao to beg for food(伍員吹簫)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The xiao has a history of over 3,000 years in China and is associated with scholars, hermits, and spiritual cultivation.
  • In Chinese mythology, the xiao is often connected to immortals and celestial beings, particularly in the legend of 'Playing the xiao to attract the phoenix'.
  • The instrument is particularly associated with the Daoist tradition and is considered suitable for meditation and self-cultivation.

FAQ