鞴 (bèi) - To forge metal & bellows (used in smithing)

鞴Tone 4

bèi ｜ 19 strokes ｜ radical:

傲不

鞴 · bèi

To forge metal;

bellows (used in smithing);

to saddle a horse;

to prepare or equip.

To forge metalbellows (used in smithing)to saddle a horse

Usage highlights

BellowsSaddle a horseForging toolForging and smeltingLeather bellowsSaddle and bridle

Synonyms

  • 锻— to forge, to smith
  • 冶— to smelt, metallurgy
  • 鞍— saddle (for the equestrian meaning)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The blacksmith used bellows to blow air into the forge (风鞴).
  • He saddled the horse (鞴马).
  • This is a forging tool (鞴具).
  • The metal was forged into a sword (鞴冶).

Collocations

  • Bellows(风鞴)
  • Saddle a horse(鞴马)
  • Forging tool(鞴具)
  • Forging and smelting(鞴冶)
  • Leather bellows(韦鞴)
  • Saddle and bridle(鞍鞴)

Idioms

  • To forge iron while it is hot(趁热打铁)
  • To saddle up and mount(鞴马执鞭)
  • Forged through repeated tempering(百炼成钢)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally referred to leather bellows used in metalworking and blacksmithing.
  • Extended meaning includes preparing horses for riding by putting on saddles and harnesses.
  • Represents traditional craftsmanship and metalworking techniques in ancient China.

FAQ