zau3奏

Jyutpingzau3

Yalejau

Common

Definition

To play or perform music on a musical instrument.

neutraldaily actions

How it's used

Focuses specifically on the act of producing music through an instrument, often carrying a slightly formal or artistic nuance. While it is standard for classical or orchestral contexts, everyday speech often leans toward using 彈 for stringed or keyboard instruments and 吹 for wind instruments. Using 奏 is appropriate when referring to the performance of a piece as a whole rather than just the physical action of touching the instrument.

Examples

keoi5佢喺soeng6奏zau3緊gan2嗰go2首sau2曲kuk1好hou2聽teng1呀。

The song she is playing on stage sounds great.

nei5你sik1識m4唔sik1識zau3奏le1呢zi1支dek6笛aa4呀？

Do you know how to play this flute?

Related words

see alsotaan4彈tànhsee alsoceoi1吹chēuisee alsolaai1拉lāi

Common phrases

zau3奏ngok6樂

to play music

zau3奏gwok3國go1歌

to play the national anthem

Common mistake

Learners often mistakenly use 奏 as a generic verb for all musical activities, but it is not used for singing or general listening. Stick to 彈, 吹, or 拉 depending on the specific instrument to sound natural in casual conversation.