gu2 kam4古琴
Jyutpinggu2 kam4
Yalegú kàhm
Definition
Guqin; a traditional Chinese plucked seven-string musical instrument.
neutralother
How it's used
Refers specifically to the traditional seven-string zither, which is distinct from the more common guzheng. It carries an aura of scholarly refinement and historical depth, often associated with literati culture. When discussing it in a casual context, people usually emphasize the meditative or difficult nature of mastering the instrument.
Measure word
bou6部bouhExamples
She really likes playing the guqin; she plays with a lot of emotion.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse it with the guzheng, which is much more common in modern performances and has a different sound and structure. Ensure you do not use it interchangeably with other string instruments.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
