The guzheng is a traditional Chinese string instrument with a history dating back over 2,500 years. It typically has 21 strings and is played by plucking the strings with the fingers or with plectra, producing a rich, resonant sound that is used in both solo and ensemble performances. The guzheng often features in Chinese opera, folk music, and contemporary compositions.
HSK 6, 16 strokes, Hard
gǔzhēng(gu3zheng1) T3
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May 27, 2026
古筝gǔzhēng(gu3zheng1)
The guzheng is a traditional Chinese string instrument with a history dating back over 2,500 years. It typically has 21 strings and is played by plucking the strings with the fingers or with plectra, producing a rich, resonant sound that is used in both solo and ensemble performances. The guzheng often features in Chinese opera, folk music, and contemporary compositions.
Strokes16Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The guzheng has deep roots in Chinese culture, often associated with poetic and philosophical themes in traditional literature. It is frequently featured in celebrations and festivals, highlighting its importance in Chinese heritage.
Memory Tip
Imagine a wise old sage (古) strumming a stringed instrument like a guzheng (筝) under a willow tree. The '古' (gǔ) represents 'ancient', while '筝' (zhēng) sounds like 'zheng' in 'guitar', helping you remember its sound and cultural significance.
About 古筝
古筝Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 古筝
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AI Study Notes for 古筝
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a wise old sage (古) strumming a stringed instrument like a guzheng (筝) under a willow tree. The '古' (gǔ) represents 'ancient', while '筝' (zhēng) sounds like 'zheng' in 'guitar', helping you remember its sound and cultural significance.
Usage Notes
Learners sometimes confuse '古筝' with '二胡' (erhu), another string instrument, due to their shared musical context. It's important to note that '古筝' is generally used in formal contexts or discussions about music, so keep your tone appropriate when speaking about it. Common collocations include '演奏古筝' (performing guzheng) and '古筝音乐' (guzheng music).
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 6, students should focus on understanding the cultural significance of the guzheng in both historical and contemporary contexts. Connect this word with other musical terminology and instruments like '琴' (qín - string instrument) or '乐器' (yuèqì - musical instrument) to enrich your vocabulary.
Cultural Note
The guzheng has deep roots in Chinese culture, often associated with poetic and philosophical themes in traditional literature. It is frequently featured in celebrations and festivals, highlighting its importance in Chinese heritage.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce '古筝' as 'gǔzhēng' with incorrect tones, which can lead to misunderstanding. Ensure you pronounce both syllables with the correct tones to avoid confusion with other words, such as '古' (gǔ - ancient) and '整' (zhěng - whole).
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 古筝
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Cultural Notes for 古筝
🏮Cultural insight
The guzheng has deep roots in Chinese culture, often associated with poetic and philosophical themes in traditional literature. It is frequently featured in celebrations and festivals, highlighting its importance in Chinese heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions about 古筝
The guzheng is unique due to its plucking technique and the number of strings, which allows for a wide range of melodies compared to instruments like the erhu, which is bowed.
While it requires practice, many beginners find the guzheng approachable due to its simple plucking methods and the ability to play by ear.
Yes, the guzheng is versatile and can be adapted to play various genres, including pop and contemporary music.
