Chinese word

曲

Pronunciation

Pinyinqǔ

Meaning

  • nounsong

Example

这首曲子很好听。zhè shǒu qǔ zi hěn hǎo tīng

This song sounds very nice.

Illustration for 曲 (song)

More examples

在安静的夜里，一首曲子更能触动人心。zài ān jìng de yè lǐ yì shǒu qǔ zi gèng néng chù dòng rén xīn

On a quiet night, a song can touch the heart more deeply.

Core concept

One shaped run of notes that stands as a piece of music rather than a single sound.

Common phrases

  • 一首曲子yì shǒu qǔ zi

    a song

  • 乐曲yuè qǔ

    musical piece

  • 曲目qǔ mù

    repertoire

Similar words

歌曲gē qǔ: A musical work made to be sung, combining words with a melody.
曲子qǔ zi: A colloquial term for a song or piece of music, whether sung or played.
乐曲yuè qǔ: A composed musical work intended for instrumental or vocal performance.
旋律xuán lǜ: A recognizable flow of notes that carries a tune over time.

Definition in Chinese

指可以演唱或演奏、具有独立旋律结构的乐曲或曲子，也可泛指器乐或声乐的某一段旋律。zhǐ ké yǐ yǎn chàng huò yǎn zòu jù yǒu dú lì xuán lǜ jié gòu de yuè qǔ huò qǔ zi yě kě fàn zhǐ qì yuè huò shēng yuè de mǒu yí duàn xuán lǜ

Word origin

曲 (qǔ, "song") developed its musical sense from the idea of bending, as a melody bends through changing pitches and phrases.

Usage tips

  • This noun can identify either a complete work or a distinct passage within a larger performance, a range that is often narrower for English song.

Other meanings

  • melodynoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word