鐘 (zhōng) - Bell — a metal instrument that produces sound & clock

鐘Tone 1

zhōng ｜ 20 strokes ｜ radical:

志

鐘 · zhōng

Bell — a metal instrument that produces sound when struck;

clock;

timepiece;

hour;

measure of time.

Bell — a metal instrument that produces soundclocktimepiece

Usage highlights

Alarm clockAncient bellTemple bellBell towerBell soundTime

Synonyms

  • 鈴— Small bell, handbell
  • 鐘錶— Clock, timepiece

Antonyms

  • 鼓— Drum (contrasting percussion instrument)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The ancient bell (古鐘) rang at dawn.
  • He bought an alarm clock (鬧鐘).
  • We will meet at three o'clock (三點鐘).
  • The temple bell (寺鐘) could be heard throughout the valley.

Collocations

  • Alarm clock(鬧鐘)
  • Ancient bell(古鐘)
  • Temple bell(寺鐘)
  • Bell tower(鐘樓)
  • Bell sound(鐘聲)
  • Time(鐘點)

Idioms

  • The morning bell and evening drum(晨鐘暮鼓)
  • A bell hanging on a horse's ear(馬耳東風 — originally 對牛彈琴, but sometimes associated with bells)
  • The bell rings and the tripod food(鐘鳴鼎食)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Bells have been important in Chinese culture for millennia, used in religious ceremonies, timekeeping, and as musical instruments.
  • In Buddhist temples, bells mark the time for meditation and ceremonies, with the sound believed to purify the mind.
  • Bells were status symbols in ancient China, with large bronze bells found in royal tombs and important temples.

FAQ