弦
弦·string (of an instrument or bow), bowstring, chord
- On-yomi
- ゲン
- Kun-yomi
- つる
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Stroke order
Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.
Common words
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 弦楽器 | げんがっき | string instrument |
| 管弦楽 | かんげんがく | orchestral music |
| 弦 | つる | bowstring |
| 上弦 | じょうげん | first quarter (moon) |
Example sentences
ギターの弦が切れてしまった。
ギターのげんがきれてしまった。
A string on my guitar snapped.
彼女は弦楽器を三つも弾ける。
かのじょはげんがっきをみっつもひける。
She can play three different string instruments.
今夜は上弦の月がきれいだ。
こんやはじょうげんのつきがきれいだ。
The first-quarter moon is beautiful tonight.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- Reading 弦楽器 as げんがくき — it geminates to げんがっき
- Writing 絃 (an older variant) where modern texts use 弦
Memory aid
Picture it
A bow (弓) with something dark and thin (玄) stretched across it — the taut cord of a bow or an instrument.
Quick check
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What does the kanji 弦 mean?