琶 (pá) - Pipa — a traditional Chinese plucked string instrument & refers specifically to the Chinese lute.

琶Tone 2

pá ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

柠七

琶 · pá

Pipa — a traditional Chinese plucked string instrument with a pear-shaped body;

refers specifically to the Chinese lute.

Pipa — a traditional Chinese plucked string instrumentrefers specifically to the Chinese lute.

Usage highlights

Play the pipaPipa musicPipa melodyPipa performerPipa techniquePipa concerto

Synonyms

  • 琵琶— pipa (the full name of the instrument)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • She plays the pipa beautifully (弹琵琶).
  • The pipa has a history of over 2000 years (琵琶历史).
  • This is a famous pipa melody (琵琶曲).
  • He is learning pipa technique (琵琶技法).

Collocations

  • Play the pipa(弹琵琶)
  • Pipa music(琵琶音乐)
  • Pipa melody(琵琶曲)
  • Pipa performer(琵琶演奏者)
  • Pipa technique(琵琶技法)
  • Pipa concerto(琵琶协奏曲)

Idioms

  • Playing the pipa to a cow(对牛弹琴)
  • Half-hidden pipa(犹抱琵琶半遮面)
  • Pipa in arms(琵琶别抱)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The pipa has been a prominent instrument in Chinese classical music since the Tang Dynasty.
  • It appears frequently in Chinese poetry and literature as a symbol of elegance and artistic refinement.
  • The instrument was introduced to China from Central Asia via the Silk Road around the 2nd century CE.

FAQ