絃 (xián) - String — refers to the string of a & also used metaphorically for things that are string-like

絃Tone 2

xián ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

万响

絃 · xián

String — refers to the string of a musical instrument, particularly silk strings used in traditional Chinese instruments;

also used metaphorically for things that are string-like or for musical concepts.

String — refers to the string of aalso used metaphorically for things that are string-like

Usage highlights

Silk stringString instrumentPluck the stringBroken stringTune the stringsSeven

Synonyms

  • 弦— string (modern simplified variant)
  • 線— thread, line (general term for thin cord)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The guqin has seven silk strings (七絃).
  • He plucked the string (彈絃) of the pipa.
  • The string snapped during the performance (斷絃).
  • This instrument uses metal strings instead of silk ones (金屬絃).

Collocations

  • Silk string(絲絃)
  • String instrument(絃樂器)
  • Pluck the string(彈絃)
  • Broken string(斷絃)
  • Tune the strings(調絃)
  • Seven-stringed zither(七絃琴)

Idioms

  • Playing the zither to a cow(對牛彈絃)
  • Cutting the strings and breaking the zither(斷絃絕琴)
  • The string of life(生命之絃)
  • Strike a chord in one's heart(動人心絃)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Traditionally made from silk, representing the refined musical culture of ancient China.
  • Central to classical Chinese instruments like guqin and pipa, embodying elegance and scholarly refinement.
  • The character appears in many musical terms and metaphors related to harmony and emotional resonance.

FAQ