Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
琴qín(qin2)
The character 琴 (qín) primarily refers to traditional Chinese string instruments, especially the guqin, which is a seven-stringed zither known for its soft, melodious tones. This term can also generally denote string instruments, encompassing a variety of similar musical devices in Chinese culture.
Strokes12Radical王Frequency#5576DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The guqin has historical significance in Chinese culture, representing scholarly pursuits and the Confucian ideals of harmony and self-cultivation. It is often associated with the literati and has been played for over 3,000 years.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'queen' (sounds like 'qīn') playing a beautiful string instrument while sitting gracefully on a 'pearl' (the radical 玉, meaning jade or precious). This image connects the elegance of the instrument with its musical significance, making it easier to remember the character.
Meanings of 琴
qín(qin2)
1guqin or zither, cf 古琴[gǔ qín]
2musical instrument in general
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 琴
琴Simplified
12Strokes
王Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#5576Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 琴
Podcast: 琴
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 琴
Quick Contrast
古琴 (gǔqín) vs 琵琶 (pípá) — use 琴 for a general reference to string instruments, while 古琴 specifically refers to the guqin, and 琵琶 denotes a different type of string instrument (pipa).
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'queen' (sounds like 'qīn') playing a beautiful string instrument while sitting gracefully on a 'pearl' (the radical 玉, meaning jade or precious). This image connects the elegance of the instrument with its musical significance, making it easier to remember the character.
Usage Notes
琴 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, primarily in discussions about music. Common collocations include 古琴 (gǔ qín) for the traditional guqin and 弦琴 (xián qín) for string instruments in general. Be mindful of the tonal pronunciation, as mispronouncing qín can change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
While 琴 is not included in the official HSK levels, it connects well with other music-related vocabulary at beginner levels, such as 音乐 (yīn yuè) for music. Focus on listening and pronunciation to help differentiate it from similar-sounding words.
Cultural Note
The guqin has historical significance in Chinese culture, representing scholarly pursuits and the Confucian ideals of harmony and self-cultivation. It is often associated with the literati and has been played for over 3,000 years.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 琴 (qín) with other similar-sounding characters like 秦 (qín, referring to the Qin dynasty) or 亲 (qīn, meaning close or dear). It’s important to practice tonal differences to avoid these mix-ups.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 琴
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 琴 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 琴 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 琴
琴 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 4 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.
He not only can play the piano, but can also play the violin.
Common Confusions with 琴
琴vs金
jīn
Similar sound but different meaning
Exercise 1 of 1
Spot the Difference
Which character means "guqin or zither, cf 古琴[gǔ qín]"?
or
Example Sentences for 琴 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
有些器乐段落谱写得非常优美，尤其是竖琴和长笛的部分。
yǒu xiē qì lè duàn luò pǔ xiě dé fēi cháng yōu měi， ， yóu qí shì shù qín hé cháng dí de bù。
Some of the instrumentation is exquisite, particularly for harp and flute.
2
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.
3
一名身穿晚礼服的表演者用小提琴演奏了几段古典音乐。
yī míng shēn chuān wǎn lǐ fú de biǎo yǎn zhě yòng xiǎo tí qín yǎn zòu le jī duàn gǔ diǎn yīn lè。
A performer in evening dress plays classical selections on the violin.
4
他是当下仍旧活跃的最有闯劲、最具想象力的爵士乐钢琴师之一。
tā shì dāng xià réng jiù huó yuè de zuì yǒu chuǎng jìn、 、 zuì jù xiǎng xiàng lì de jué shì lè gāng qín shī zhī。
He's one of the most dynamically imaginative jazz pianists still functioning.
5
霍华德是个很有天分的钢琴家。
huò huá dé shì gè hěn yǒu tiān fēn de gāng qín jiā。
Howard is a talented pianist.
6
她的小提琴, 我是指中提琴, 的确拉得很好.
tā de xiǎo tí qín, , wǒ shì zhǐ zhōng tí, qín , de què lā dé.
She plays the violin, I mean the viola, really well.
7
这部影片中的手风琴音乐不是很好.
zhè bù yǐng piàn zhōng de shǒu fēng qín yīn lè bù shì hěn hǎo.
The accordion music in the film isn't very beautiful.
8
开始演奏前, 哈利先行调好他的班卓琴.
kāi shǐ yǎn zòu qián, , hā lì xiān háng tiáo hǎo tā de bān zhuó.
Before he began to play, Harry tuned up his banjo.
9
格蕾琴费劲地嚼着那块带软骨的牛排。
gé lěi qín fèi jìn dì jiáo zháo nà kuài dài ruǎn gǔ de niú pái。
Gretchen chewed energetically on the gristled steak.
10
他7岁开始上钢琴课。
tā7 7 suì kāi shǐ shàng gāng qín。
He started piano lessons at the age of
Cultural Notes for 琴
🏮Cultural insight
The guqin has historical significance in Chinese culture, representing scholarly pursuits and the Confucian ideals of harmony and self-cultivation. It is often associated with the literati and has been played for over 3,000 years.
Word Family of 琴
Compounds1
噖
Words Containing This Character20
钢琴gāngqínpiano鋼琴
琴qínmusical instrument in general
小提琴xiǎotíqínfiddle
弹琴to play or strum a lute or other stringed instrument彈琴
大提琴cello
钢琴家pianist鋼琴家
口琴harmonica
竖琴harp豎琴
风琴pipe organ (musical instrument)風琴
手风琴accordion手風琴
古琴guqin or qin, a long zither with seven strings, plucked with the fingers
钢琴师pianist鋼琴師
中提琴viola
提琴CL:把[bǎ]
爱琴海Aegean Sea愛琴海
管风琴organ管風琴
电子琴electronic keyboard (music)電子琴
琴键a piano key琴鍵
小提琴手violinist
琴弦string (of a stringed instrument)
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 钢琴 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 琴
The character 琴 (qín) can represent various string instruments, including the guqin, zither, and other types of traditional Chinese lutes. It symbolizes the broader category of stringed instruments in Chinese music, often used in classical and folk contexts.
You can use 琴 (qín) in a sentence to refer to playing a string instrument, such as '我在学习弹琴' (Wǒ zài xuéxí tán qín), which means 'I am learning to play the zither.' This character can also be used metaphorically to express appreciation for music.
琴 (qín) is a general term for string instruments, while 古琴 (gǔ qín) specifically refers to the ancient seven-stringed guqin. The guqin is a traditional instrument with a rich history in Chinese music, whereas 琴 can encompass various stringed instruments.
琴 (qín) refers to a traditional Chinese musical instrument, specifically a guqin or zither. It can also denote string instruments in general, including other types like the Chinese lute or guitar. This character is often associated with musical culture in China.
琴 is a general term for string instruments, while 古琴 specifically refers to the traditional seven-string zither.
Yes, while 琴 refers to traditional string instruments, it can also be used in contemporary contexts to discuss modern string instruments.
琴 is pronounced qín with a rising tone. Practice by saying 'chin' with an upward inflection.
