陔 (gāi) - A step or terrace & one of the nine divisions (陔) in ancient

陔Tone 1

gāi ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical: 阝

枫惠

陔 · gāi

A step or terrace;

one of the nine divisions (陔) in ancient court music;

to complete or make up a number.

A step or terraceone of the nine divisions (陔) in ancientto complete or make up a number.

Usage highlights

Nine divisionsGāi section of musicTerrace stepsTo complete a setDeep layersBottom step

Synonyms

  • 阶— step, stair
  • 层— layer, level

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The ancient musical piece has nine sections (九陔).
  • He stood on the terrace (陔) overlooking the courtyard.
  • In ritual music, the Gāi section marks a transition (陔夏).

Collocations

  • Nine divisions(九陔)
  • Gāi section of music(陔夏)
  • Terrace steps(阶陔)
  • To complete a set(补陔)
  • Deep layers(重陔)
  • Bottom step(南陔)

Idioms

  • The nine layers of heaven(九陔)
  • The Ode of the Southern Steps(南陔之诗)
  • Ascending the terrace steps(陔阶)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally referred to terraced steps in ancient architecture, particularly in ceremonial settings.
  • In ancient Chinese music, 'Gāi' was one of the nine sections of court music, often marking transitions.
  • Appears in classical poetry, such as in the 'Ode of the Southern Steps' from the Book of Songs.

FAQ