hau4

Jyutpinghau4
Yalehàuh

Definition

An ancient Chinese plucked stringed instrument, similar to a harp.

writtenother

How it's used

This term refers to a specific type of ancient string instrument often associated with historical or classical contexts. It is rarely used in modern daily speech and is mostly encountered in literature, historical dramas, or musicology. When discussing modern Western harps, speakers almost exclusively use the loanword 豎琴 instead.

Measure word

zi1

Examples

Do you know how to play the harp?

Common phrases

to play the harp

Common mistake

Do not use this word to describe a modern harp, as it will sound archaic or confusing to most native speakers. Always use 豎琴 for the contemporary instrument.

Grammar color guide

Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector