storyteller's wooden clapper; gavel
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesnoun
small hardwood block used by storytellers to strike the table to capture the audience's attention
A traditional prop in Chinese storytelling (评书), typically made of hardwood and struck against the table to mark chapter beginnings or emphasize dramatic moments. Also known as 惊堂木 when used in court settings.
Shuō说
shū书
xiān先
sheng生
ná拿
qǐ起
xǐng醒
mù木
yī一
pāi拍
，
quán全
chǎng场
dùn顿
shí时
ān安
jìng静
le了
xià下
lái来
。
The storyteller picked up the clapper and struck it once, and the entire hall immediately fell silent.
Zhè这
kuài块
xǐng醒
mù木
gēn跟
le了
tā他
sān三
shí十
nián年
，
biān边
jiǎo角
dōu都
mó磨
de得
guāng光
huá滑
le了
。
This wooden clapper has been with him for thirty years, and its edges have been worn smooth.
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Jīng惊
táng堂
mù木
yī一
xiǎng响
，
yá衙
yì役
men们
qí齐
shēng声
hǎn喊
wēi威
—
—
wǔ武
—
—
。
As the gavel sounded, the court guards shouted in unison: 'Weee—ooo!'