铙 (náo) - A large cymbal-like bronze percussion instrument used in & also refers to stopping or halting.

铙Tone 2

náo ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

楠念

铙 · náo

A large cymbal-like bronze percussion instrument used in ancient Chinese music and military commands;

also refers to stopping or halting.

A large cymbal-like bronze percussion instrument used inalso refers to stopping or halting.

Usage highlights

Bronze naoNao bellStrike the naoNao and drumMilitary naoNao music

Synonyms

  • 钹— cymbals (similar percussion instrument)
  • 锣— gong (similar metal percussion)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The ancient bronze nao (铙) was used in rituals.
  • The commander used the nao to signal retreat (鸣金收兵).
  • They unearthed a Warring States period nao (战国铙).
  • The nao produces a deep, resonant sound (铙声).

Collocations

  • Bronze nao(铜铙)
  • Nao bell(铙钟)
  • Strike the nao(击铙)
  • Nao and drum(铙鼓)
  • Military nao(军铙)
  • Nao music(铙乐)

Idioms

  • Beat the gong and sound the nao(鸣锣击铙)
  • Retreat at the sound of the nao(闻铙而退)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The nao was an important ritual bronze instrument in Shang and Zhou dynasties, used in ceremonies and military commands.
  • In ancient warfare, sounding the nao (often with other metal instruments) signaled retreat or cessation of battle.
  • Nao artifacts provide important archaeological evidence about ancient Chinese music and metallurgy.

FAQ