gong3 kam4鋼琴钢琴
Jyutpinggong3 kam4
Yalegong kàhm
Definition
Piano; a Western keyboard instrument.
neutralother
How it's used
While 鋼琴 is the formal term, native speakers often just use 琴 in casual conversation when the context is clear. The verb for playing the piano is specifically 彈, which is used for most stringed instruments played with fingers. Note that the measure word varies based on size, with 部 being the standard for upright pianos and 座 often used for grand pianos.
Measure word
bou6部bouhExamples
Did you learn to play the piano when you were young?
They have a piano in their living room.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using 敲 or 打 to describe playing the piano, as these imply hitting the instrument physically rather than playing it musically. Always use 彈.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
