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小提琴 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
小提琴xiǎotíqínfiddleHSK 7, unknown, 27 strokes, rank #8108, Very Hard
小提琴xiǎotíqínviolinHSK 7, unknown, 27 strokes, rank #8108, Very Hard
xiǎotíqín(xiao3ti2qin2)xiao ti qin T3
  1. 1fiddle
  2. 2violin
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March 24, 2026

小提琴xiǎotíqín(xiao3ti2qin2)

小提琴 refers to the violin, a string instrument played with a bow. It is commonly used in various genres of music, including classical, folk, and contemporary styles. In addition to being a solo instrument, it often plays a key role in orchestras and chamber music.

Strokes27Frequency#8108DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the violin is often associated with Western classical music and is popular in music education. Many Chinese students begin learning the violin at a young age, reflecting the importance of music in personal and cultural expression.

Memory tip

Imagine a small (小, xiao3) violin (提琴, ti2 qin2) being played by a child. The character '小' looks like a child, emphasizing the 'small' aspect, and '提琴' sounds like 'tune' which connects to music. Visualize a child joyfully playing beautiful tunes on this small instrument.

Meanings of 小提琴

xiǎotíqín(xiao3ti2qin2)
1fiddle
2violin
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 小提琴

小提琴Simplified
27Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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AI study notes for 小提琴

Quick Contrast

中提琴 (zhōngtíqín) - use 小提琴 for the smaller violin, while 中提琴 refers to the larger viola.

Usage Notes

When using 小提琴, be mindful of the context; it is typically used in formal discussions about music. A common mistake is confusing it with guitar (吉他, ji2 ta1), which is a different instrument. Remember to use the correct tone when pronouncing each syllable to avoid misunderstandings.

HSK Study Tips

While 小提琴 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it connects with other musical terms in the HSK curriculum. Focus on learning the tonal pronunciation and how to combine it with other music-related vocabulary such as 音乐 (music) and乐器 (musical instrument).

Common Mistakes

Learners often mispronounce the tones, saying 'xiao ti qin' without the correct tones, which can confuse listeners. Always practice the tones: 小 (xiao3), 提 (ti2), 琴 (qin2).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 小提琴

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Component characters

小xiǎosmall
HSK 13 strokes小
View full entry
提títo carry (hanging down from the hand)
HSK 412 strokes扌
View full entry
琴qínguqin or zither, cf 古琴[gǔ qín]
HSK 412 strokes王
View full entry

How to say fiddle in Chinese

“fiddle” in Chinese is小提琴xiǎotíqín

小提琴 refers to the violin, a string instrument played with a bow. It is commonly used in various genres of music, including classical, folk, and contemporary styles. In addition to being a solo instrument, it often plays a key role in orchestras and chamber music.

When to use 小提琴

When using 小提琴, be mindful of the context; it is typically used in formal discussions about music. A common mistake is confusing it with guitar (吉他, ji2 ta1), which is a different instrument. Remember to use the correct tone when pronouncing each syllable to avoid misunderstandings.

小提琴 or something close to it

中提琴 (zhōngtíqín) - use 小提琴 for the smaller violin, while 中提琴 refers to the larger viola.

What learners get wrong

Learners often mispronounce the tones, saying 'xiao ti qin' without the correct tones, which can confuse listeners. Always practice the tones: 小 (xiao3), 提 (ti2), 琴 (qin2).

Write 小提琴

小
提
琴

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Cultural Notes for 小提琴

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, the violin is often seen as a symbol of sophistication and classical heritage, while in China, it also represents a bridge between Western and traditional Chinese music.

Frequently asked questions about 小提琴

小提琴 specifically refers to the violin, while 提琴 can refer to string instruments in general, including violas or cellos.

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