钢琴 — meaning in English: piano

gāngqín · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for piano

丝绸

sīchóu

钢琴

gāngqín

房间

fángjiān

手表

shǒubiǎo

身份

shēnfèn

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neutral common

Usage

Native Mandarin speakers often use the word '钢琴' (gāngqín) in various contexts, such as discussing music lessons, performances, or when planning social gatherings around live piano music. For instance, during a conversation about a friend's upcoming concert, one might ask, '你会弹钢琴吗？' which means 'Can you play the piano?'

Synonyms & nuances

'钢琴' specifically refers to the piano, while '乐器' (yuèqì) means 'musical instrument' in general. You would choose '钢琴' when talking specifically about piano-related contexts, such as lessons or performances, whereas '乐器' could refer to any musical instrument.

Culture

'钢琴' combines two characters: '钢' (gāng), meaning 'steel', and '琴' (qín), meaning 'stringed instrument'. This reflects the instrument's construction and its powerful sound. Historically, the piano was introduced to China in the late 19th century and quickly became a symbol of musical education and social status, often associated with upper-class households.

FAQ

Q.What is the correct pronunciation of '钢琴'?

'钢琴' is pronounced as 'gāngqín'. The first character '钢' has a high-level tone, while '琴' has a rising tone. Practicing these tones is essential for proper pronunciation.

Q.What does '钢琴' refer to in English?

'钢琴' translates to 'piano' in English. It refers to the musical instrument that produces sound by striking strings with hammers, creating beautiful melodies.

Q.Are there different types of '钢琴'?

Yes, there are different types of pianos, such as '立式钢琴' (lìshì gāngqín), which means 'upright piano', and '三角钢琴' (sānjiǎo gāngqín), referring to a 'grand piano'. Each type has its unique sound and design.

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