English–Japanese

“shamisen” in Japanese

Japanese

Pronunciation

Romajishamisen

Example

祖父は三味線を弾きます。so fu wa shami sen o hi ki ma su

My grandfather plays the shamisen.

Illustration for 三味線 (shamisen)

How to say “shamisen” in Japanese

“Shamisen” in Japanese is 三味線 (shamisen).

Refers to a three-stringed Japanese instrument with a long neck and a skin-covered body, played with a plectrum to produce a distinctive sound.

Full entry for 三味線: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with 三味線

祭りで三味線の音色を聞きました。matsu ri de shami sen no ne iro o ki ki ma shi ta

I heard the sound of a shamisen at the festival.

Tips for using 三味線

  • In English, shamisen often appears in descriptions of kabuki and bunraku, where its music forms part of the traditional stage sound.

“shamisen” in other languages