dok6鐸铎

Jyutpingdok6

Yaledohk

名詞Very common

Definition

An ancient Chinese instrument consisting of a large bell used for signaling.

writtenother

How it's used

This term is strictly reserved for historical or literary contexts, as it refers to a specific type of ancient metal percussion instrument with a clapper. It is rarely encountered in modern daily life except when discussing history, museum artifacts, or traditional Chinese culture. Unlike the common word 鐘, which covers everything from wall clocks to large bells, 鐸 implies a specific ritual or military function from the past.

Measure word

go3個go

Examples

ni1呢go3個dok6鐸ge3嘅sing1聲jam1音hou2好hoeng2響loeng6亮aa4呀。

The sound of this bell is very loud.

nei5你zi1知m4唔zi1知gu2古doi6代dim2點joeng2樣jung6用dok6鐸cyun4傳ling6令？

Do you know how they used the bell to pass orders in ancient times?

Common phrases

muk6木dok6鐸

a bell with a wooden clapper, often used metaphorically for a teacher or someone who inspires others

Common mistake

Learners often confuse this with general terms for bells like 鐘. Remember that 鐸 is a specialized historical term and using it to describe a modern doorbell or alarm clock will sound extremely strange or pretentious.