琵琶 (pípá) refers to a traditional Chinese musical instrument that resembles a pear-shaped lute with four strings. It is played by plucking the strings with the fingers, and it has a rich history in Chinese music, often associated with both classical and folk traditions. The pipa is known for its expressive sound and versatility in different musical contexts.
HSK 6, 16 strokes, Hard
pípá(pi2pa2) T2
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May 27, 2026
琵琶pípá(pi2pa2)
琵琶 (pípá) refers to a traditional Chinese musical instrument that resembles a pear-shaped lute with four strings. It is played by plucking the strings with the fingers, and it has a rich history in Chinese music, often associated with both classical and folk traditions. The pipa is known for its expressive sound and versatility in different musical contexts.
Strokes16Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The pipa has a prominent place in Chinese culture, often featured in classical performances and storytelling. It is sometimes depicted in Chinese paintings and poetry, symbolizing elegance and artistry.
Memory Tip
Imagine a pear (the shape of the pipa) that sings when you pluck its strings. The word 'pipa' sounds like 'pee-pah', which can remind you of a playful child plucking the strings of this beautiful instrument, creating enchanting melodies.
About 琵琶
琵琶Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 琵琶
Podcast: 琵琶
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AI Study Notes for 琵琶
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a pear (the shape of the pipa) that sings when you pluck its strings. The word 'pipa' sounds like 'pee-pah', which can remind you of a playful child plucking the strings of this beautiful instrument, creating enchanting melodies.
Usage Notes
When discussing music, the term 琵琶 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, so it’s suitable for conversations about cultural events or music history. Be careful not to confuse it with other string instruments like 吉他 (jítā, guitar) or 小提琴 (xiǎotíqín, violin), as each has distinct characteristics.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK 6, focus on understanding the cultural significance of the pipa and its role in traditional Chinese music. This word connects well with other vocabulary related to music and instruments, such as 乐器 (yuèqì, musical instrument) and 演奏 (yǎnzòu, to perform).
Cultural Note
The pipa has a prominent place in Chinese culture, often featured in classical performances and storytelling. It is sometimes depicted in Chinese paintings and poetry, symbolizing elegance and artistry.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 琵琶 as 'pí-pá', confusing the tones. The correct pronunciation is 'pí-pá', with both syllables in the second tone, so remember to keep the tones accurate to avoid misunderstandings.
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 琵琶
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Cultural Notes for 琵琶
🏮Cultural insight
The pipa has a prominent place in Chinese culture, often featured in classical performances and storytelling. It is sometimes depicted in Chinese paintings and poetry, symbolizing elegance and artistry.
Frequently Asked Questions about 琵琶
琵琶 is specifically a plucked lute, while instruments like 吉他 (guitar) or 小提琴 (violin) are played differently and have distinct shapes and sounds.
Yes, the 琵琶 is still used in contemporary music, often blending traditional techniques with modern styles.
Learning to play the 琵琶 typically involves taking lessons from a skilled instructor, focusing on finger techniques and musical theory.
