鍾 (zhōng) - Bell — refers to a metal bell, timepiece, & also used as a surname

鍾Tone 1

zhōng ｜ 17 strokes ｜ radical:

志

鍾 · zhōng

Bell — refers to a metal bell, timepiece, or clock;

also used as a surname;

to concentrate or focus attention.

Bell — refers to a metal bell, timepiece,also used as a surnameto concentrate or focus attention.

Usage highlights

Bell soundClock towerAlarm clockAntique bellConcentrate affectionBell and drum

Synonyms

  • 铃— small bell or chime
  • 钟表— clock or timepiece

Antonyms

  • 散— to scatter or disperse (antonym to the 'concentrate' sense)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The temple bell rings (钟声).
  • He collects antique clocks (古钟).
  • We meet at the clock tower (钟楼).
  • She focuses her affection on one person (钟情).

Collocations

  • Bell sound(钟声)
  • Clock tower(钟楼)
  • Alarm clock(闹钟)
  • Antique bell(古钟)
  • Concentrate affection(钟情)
  • Bell and drum(钟鼓)

Idioms

  • Old bell and worn drum(老钟旧鼓)
  • Morning bell and evening drum(晨钟暮鼓)
  • One's heart is like an iron bell(心如铁钟)
  • Bell ringing and tripod food(钟鸣鼎食)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Bells have been important in Chinese culture for timekeeping, religious ceremonies, and imperial rituals since ancient times.
  • In Buddhism, temple bells mark time for meditation and ceremonies, symbolizing mindfulness and awakening.
  • The character appears in many compound words related to time, attention, and concentration.

FAQ