Meanings of 曲
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 曲
Podcast: 曲
Podcast: 曲
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 曲
曲 (qū) vs 歌 (gē) — use 曲 when referring to a tune or song with a focus on its melodic structure, while 歌 specifically refers to a song, particularly in a lyrical context.
Imagine a 'Q' that is bending or curling, like a crooked road. To remember 曲 (qū), think of a 'cue' for a performance, where the 'tune' or 'song' is often not straight but has bends and turns, just like the character’s shape.
Learners often confuse 曲 with 直 (zhí), which means 'straight.' In informal contexts, 曲 might be used to describe something that is wrong or misleading, while in formal contexts it refers to music. Pay attention to using the correct tone since 曲 (qū) can sound similar to other characters.
Although 曲 is not in the HSK list, it connects well with other words related to music and expressions of deviation. Focus on how 曲 is used in phrases like 曲子 (qǔzi - tune) and its variations in music-related contexts.
In Chinese culture, music plays a significant role, and 曲 is commonly seen in musical terms and genres, such as traditional Chinese opera. The concept of something being 'crooked' or 'bent' can also relate to moral teachings, where a 'crooked' path implies wrongdoing.
Learners often confuse 曲 (qū) with other characters like 曲 (qǔ) meaning 'to play music' or with 直 (zhí) meaning 'straight.' For instance, saying '曲的道路' (qū de dào lù) to mean 'straight road' is incorrect; the right phrase would be '直的道路' (zhí de dào lù).
Pronunciation of 曲
Drill the tone of 曲 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 曲
Pictograph of a bent object.
A folded object 曰
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 曲?
Decomposition of 曲
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 曲?
Write 曲
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 曲 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 曲
曲 functions as a measure word. Place it between a number/demonstrative and the noun it counts (一本书, 这个人). Different categories of nouns require different measure words. It carries 7 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.
Complete the Sentence
流行歌____历来是社会文化不可缺少的一部分。
Pop songs have always been an indispensable part of social culture.
Example Sentences for 曲 (10)
Cultural Notes for 曲
In Chinese culture, music plays a significant role, and 曲 is commonly seen in musical terms and genres, such as traditional Chinese opera. The concept of something being 'crooked' or 'bent' can also relate to moral teachings, where a 'crooked' path implies wrongdoing.
Word Family of 曲
Compound Meaning
What does 曹 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 曲
Yes, 曲 (Qū) is a relatively common surname in China. It is one of the many Chinese surnames and is sometimes associated with certain regions or family lineages.