擂 (lēi) — to beat (a drum); to sound (a gong for martial contests or ceremonies)

Definition

擂 (léi) means to beat a drum hard, especially in martial or ceremonial settings (擂鼓). It focuses on the forceful, rhythmic striking of large drums, not casual tapping.

verb
to beat (a drum)to sound (a gong for martial contests or ceremonies)

Examples

  • 擂,。
    Gǔ shǒu yòng lì lēi zhe dà gǔ, shēng yīn zhèn tiān.
    The drummer beat the big drum vigorously, the sound shaking the sky.
  • ,擂。
    Bǐ wǔ kāi shǐ qián, xiān yào lēi gǔ sān shēng.
    Before the contest begins, they must first beat the drum three times.
  • ,擂。
    Gǔ dài zhàn chǎng shàng, shì bīng men lēi gǔ zhù wēi.
    On ancient battlefields, soldiers beat drums to boost morale.

Origin

Sound + meaning
六书liùshū
形声xíngshēng

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
手手shǒuhand
Sound part声符shēngfú
雷
雷léi擂léi
Same sound today

擂 pairs 手 (hand) with 雷, which gives the sound.

Appears in

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