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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#5576DifficultyMedium
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
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About 琴
琴Simplified
12Strokes
王Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#5576Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 琴
Podcast: 琴
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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).
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.
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
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How to say guqin or zither, cf 古琴[gǔ qín] in Chinese
“guqin or zither, cf 古琴[gǔ qín]” in Chinese is琴qín
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.
When to use 琴
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.
琴 or something close to it
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).
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 琴
琴
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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.
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.
kāishǐ yǎnzòu qián, Hā lì xiān xíng diào hǎo tā de bān zhuó qín.
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 fèijìn dì jiáo zhe 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 suì kāishǐ shàng gāngqín kè。
He started piano lessons at the age of
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Word Family of 琴
Compounds1
噖yín
Words containing this character20
钢琴gāngqínpiano鋼琴
琴qínmusical instrument in general
小提琴xiǎotíqínfiddle
弹琴tánqínto play or strum a lute or other stringed instrument彈琴
大提琴dàtíqíncello
钢琴家gāngqínjiāpianist鋼琴家
口琴kǒuqínharmonica
竖琴shùqínharp豎琴
风琴fēngqínpipe organ (musical instrument)風琴
手风琴shǒufēngqínaccordion手風琴
古琴gǔqínguqin or qin, a long zither with seven strings, plucked with the fingers
钢琴师gāngqínshīpianist鋼琴師
中提琴zhōngtíqínviola
提琴tíqínCL:把[bǎ]
爱琴海àiqínhǎiAegean Sea愛琴海
管风琴guǎnfēngqínorgan管風琴
电子琴diànzǐqínelectronic keyboard (music)電子琴
琴键qínjiàna piano key琴鍵
小提琴手xiǎotíqínshǒuviolinist
琴弦qínxiánstring (of a stringed instrument)
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 琴
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.
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