Meanings of 琵
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About 琵
Podcast: 琵
Podcast: 琵
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AI Study Notes for 琵
When discussing traditional music, 琵 is often paired with 琵琶 (pípá) to specify the instrument. Be careful not to confuse it with other string instruments, as the nuances in pronunciation and context can lead to misunderstandings. The tone is second, so a common mistake is pronouncing it with a flat tone.
Although 琵 is not included in the HSK vocabulary, understanding it can enhance your grasp of Chinese music culture. It can be useful to learn related terms like 琵琶 (pípá) as you connect with HSK vocabulary related to music and instruments.
Learners often confuse 琵 with other instruments like 琴 (qín), which refers to a zither. It's important to remember that 琵 specifically denotes the pipa, so using it in the context of other string instruments can lead to errors.
Pronunciation of 琵
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Etymology of 琵
Phonosemantic compound. 玨 represents the meaning and 比 represents the sound.
guitar strings
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 琵
Phonosemantic compound. 玨 represents the meaning and 比 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half玨 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half比 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayguitar strings
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 琵? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 琵?
Decomposition of 琵
Identify the Components
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How to say a guitar-like instrument (1) in Chinese
“a guitar-like instrument (1)” in Chinese is琵
The character 琵 (pí) refers to a traditional Chinese string instrument similar to a lute, specifically the pipa. It is typically played in classical Chinese music and is known for its pear-shaped body and four strings. This instrument is often associated with storytelling and historical performances.
When to use 琵
When discussing traditional music, 琵 is often paired with 琵琶 (pípá) to specify the instrument. Be careful not to confuse it with other string instruments, as the nuances in pronunciation and context can lead to misunderstandings. The tone is second, so a common mistake is pronouncing it with a flat tone.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 琵 with other instruments like 琴 (qín), which refers to a zither. It's important to remember that 琵 specifically denotes the pipa, so using it in the context of other string instruments can lead to errors.
Write 琵
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Practice writing 琵 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 琵
琵 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
曲谱最早见于1819年的《华秋苹____琶谱》卷上.
The score first appeared in a collection of Pipa Scores of
Example Sentences for 琵 (1)
Word Family of 琵
Compound Meaning
What does 琵琶 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 琵
琵 is the character for the instrument itself, while 琵琶 refers specifically to the pipa lute, which is a type of 琵.
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