How to Write 镛 (yōng) — Meaning “large ancient bell”

Imagine a large metal bell (钅) that hangs from a sturdy, curved frame shaped like the right side 庸. Picture the bell ringing with a deep "yōng" sound to link the pinyin and shape.

The left radical 钅 has 5 strokes; write its hook stroke carefully without lifting the pen prematurely. On the right side 庸, the middle component 用 (yòng) should be narrower than the outer frame, and the final vertical stroke extends slightly below the bottom.

镛 (yōng) means a large ancient bell, while 锲 (qiè) means to carve or engrave, and 锴 (kǎi) means fine iron or a type of metal. Visually, 镛 has the right component 庸, compared to 锲's right side 契 and 锴's right side 皆.

镛 is rarely used in daily life, found mainly in historical or literary contexts about ancient Chinese instruments. It often appears in classical poetry or museum descriptions of bronze-age bells, symbolizing ceremonial music or authority.

Common words containing 镛 include: 镛钟 (yōng zhōng) — large ancient bell; 大镛 (dà yōng) — Large ancient bell; 镛鼓 (yōng gǔ) — large bell and drum.