so2 naap6嗩吶唢呐
Jyutpingso2 naap6
Yalesó naahp
Definition
Sorna; a traditional Chinese double-reed wind instrument, similar to a trumpet.
neutralother
How it's used
Often associated with traditional Chinese funeral processions or festive celebrations, the sound is famously piercing and high pitched. It is frequently described as having a very distinct, loud, and sometimes overwhelming timbre that cuts through any other musical accompaniment.
Measure word
zi1支jīExamples
He is playing the suona very loudly.
Do you know how to play the suona?
Related words
Common phrases
to play the suona
Common mistake
Learners often confuse it with a standard trumpet or Western brass instruments because of the visual similarity, but the technique for playing and the resulting sound are entirely different.
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.
