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籟 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
籟làibamboo flute; flute, pipe; a musical notex, 22 strokes, radical ⺮
lài(lai4) T4
  1. 1bamboo flute; flute, pipe; a musical note
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March 24, 2026

籟lài(lai4)

籟 (lài) refers to a bamboo flute or any type of flute in general. It is often associated with music and sound, particularly in traditional Chinese contexts where bamboo instruments play a significant role. This character can also denote the concept of musical notes or the sounds produced by such instruments.

Strokes22Radical⺮
Cultural Note

The bamboo flute is a traditional Chinese instrument often featured in classical music and folk performances, symbolizing harmony with nature. The sound of the bamboo flute is deeply embedded in Chinese cultural expressions, often evoking imagery of serene landscapes.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'bamboo flute' shaped like the character 籟. The top part resembles a roof or shelter, suggesting a place where music is created, while the 'bamboo' radical at the bottom connects it directly to the instrument. Picture a musician playing a bamboo flute under that shelter, filling the air with beautiful notes.

Meanings of 籟

lài(lai4)
1bamboo flute; flute, pipe; a musical note
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 籟 means.

About 籟

籟Simplified
22Strokes
⺮Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 籟

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Podcast: 籟

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AI Study Notes for 籟

Usage Notes

籟 is a formal term and is often used in literary or poetic contexts. It may not be commonly used in everyday conversation, where simpler terms for musical instruments are preferred. Be mindful of the tone; it's pronounced 'lài' with a falling tone, which can be confused with other similar-sounding words.

HSK Study Tips

Although 籟 is not included in the HSK vocabulary, it relates to other words associated with music and instruments found in lower levels, such as 笛 (dí, flute) and 乐器 (yuèqì, musical instrument). Focus on understanding the broader context of musical terminology to enhance retention.

Common Mistakes

Learners may confuse 籟 with similar-sounding characters like 赖 (lài, to rely on), leading to incorrect meanings in sentences. Remember to associate 籟 specifically with musical instruments to avoid this mix-up.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 籟

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Etymology of 籟

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Phonosemantic compound. ⺮ represents the meaning and 赖 represents the sound. Simplified form of 籟.

Memory Hint

flute

Semantic (meaning)⺮
+
Phonetic (sound)賴
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

籟 = ⺮ + 賴. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 籟

IDS Structure⿱⺮賴
籟Full Character
=
⺮zhu2
top
賴lai4
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 籟?

How to say bamboo flute; flute, pipe; a musical note in Chinese

“bamboo flute; flute, pipe; a musical note” in Chinese is籟lài

籟 (lài) refers to a bamboo flute or any type of flute in general. It is often associated with music and sound, particularly in traditional Chinese contexts where bamboo instruments play a significant role. This character can also denote the concept of musical notes or the sounds produced by such instruments.

When to use 籟

籟 is a formal term and is often used in literary or poetic contexts. It may not be commonly used in everyday conversation, where simpler terms for musical instruments are preferred. Be mindful of the tone; it's pronounced 'lài' with a falling tone, which can be confused with other similar-sounding words.

What learners get wrong

Learners may confuse 籟 with similar-sounding characters like 赖 (lài, to rely on), leading to incorrect meanings in sentences. Remember to associate 籟 specifically with musical instruments to avoid this mix-up.

Write 籟

籟

Practice writing 籟 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Word Family of 籟

Words Containing This Character4
天籁sounds of nature天籟
万籁俱寂not a sound to be heard (idiom)萬籟俱寂
籁làia sound籟
万籁无声dead silent萬籟無聲
Exercise 1 of 4

Words with 籟

What does 天籁 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 籟

It is pronounced as 'lài', with a falling tone.

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