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March 24, 2026
曲子qǔzi(qu3zi5)
曲子 (qǔzi) refers to a piece of music or a tune, often associated with songs or melodies. It can also imply a specific form of musical composition, such as a poem meant for singing. In artistic contexts, it highlights the emotional expression conveyed through music.
Frequency#4600DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 曲子 is often associated with traditional music forms, such as operas and folk songs, which play significant roles in celebrations and ceremonies. It reflects the rich heritage of music as an integral part of storytelling.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'curvy' (曲) path leading to a 'musical' (子) garden where every note dances. The character 曲 resembles a winding road, and 'zi' can remind you of a playful child enjoying the melodies in the garden, helping you connect the shape to the sound.
Meanings of 曲子
qǔzi(qu3zi5)
1poem for singing
2tune
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 曲子
曲子Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#4600Frequency Rank
支Measure Word
HSK 2.0L6HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 曲子
Podcast: 曲子
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AI Study Notes for 曲子
Quick Contrast
歌曲 (gēqǔ) vs 曲调 (qǔdiào) — use 曲子 for a general piece of music or tune, while 歌曲 specifically refers to songs with lyrics, and 曲调 emphasizes the melody or tune itself.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'curvy' (曲) path leading to a 'musical' (子) garden where every note dances. The character 曲 resembles a winding road, and 'zi' can remind you of a playful child enjoying the melodies in the garden, helping you connect the shape to the sound.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone; 曲 (qǔ) must be pronounced with a falling tone, while 子 (zi) is pronounced with a neutral tone. Common collocations include 曲子 + 的 (de) to form adjectives, such as 'beautiful tune' (美丽的曲子). Avoid mixing it with similar-sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 曲子 connects with other musical vocabulary and artistic expressions learned at earlier levels. Focus on understanding the different contexts in which it can be used, especially in relation to emotions and cultural events.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 曲子 is often associated with traditional music forms, such as operas and folk songs, which play significant roles in celebrations and ceremonies. It reflects the rich heritage of music as an integral part of storytelling.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 曲子 with similar words like 歌 (gē), which means 'song' and is more specific. For example, saying '我喜欢这首歌子' is incorrect; it should be '我喜欢这首曲子'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 曲子
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Grammar Patterns of 曲子
曲子 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
演奏钢琴的戴夫将这支____反复弹了两三遍。
Dave, the pianist, played it over a couple of times.
Example Sentences for 曲子 (10)
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1
演奏钢琴的戴夫将这支曲子反复弹了两三遍。
yǎn zòu gāng qín de dài fū jiāng zhè zhī qū zǐ fǎn fù dàn le liǎng sān biàn。
Dave, the pianist, played it over a couple of times.
2
他写了一组非常单调枯燥的曲子。
tā xiě le yī zǔ fēi cháng dān tiáo kū zào de qū zǐ。
He has written a batch of very samey tunes.
3
这首曲子有，嗯，大约半个小时那么长，对吗？
zhè shǒu qū zǐ yǒu， ，， ňg ， dà yuē bàn gè xiǎo shí nà， mó cháng？
All the tracks have been digitally remastered from the original tapes.
9
他演奏了一首自己创作的曲子.
tā yǎn zòu le yī shǒu zì jǐ chuàng zuò de qū zǐ.
He played a piece of music of his own composition.
10
再次听到那首曲子使她胸中充满了渴望.
zài cì tīng dào nà shǒu qū zǐ shǐ tā xiōng zhōng chōng mǎn le kě wàng.
Hearing the tune again sent waves of longing through her.
Cultural Notes for 曲子
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, 曲子 is often associated with traditional music forms, such as operas and folk songs, which play significant roles in celebrations and ceremonies. It reflects the rich heritage of music as an integral part of storytelling.
Frequently Asked Questions about 曲子
曲子 is a more general term for a piece of music or tune, while 歌曲 specifically refers to songs with lyrics.
Yes, 曲子 can refer to any piece of music, including instrumental pieces without lyrics.
You can say '这首曲子很好听' (This piece of music is very nice).
