At the A1 level, '吉他' (jítā) is introduced as a basic noun for a common musical instrument. Learners should focus on identifying the object and pairing it with the verb '弹' (tán - to play). At this stage, you only need to know how to say 'I have a guitar' (我有一把吉他) or 'I like the guitar' (我喜欢吉他). The focus is on the transliteration aspect, which makes it easy to remember. You should also learn the measure word '把' (bǎ) early on, as it is a fundamental part of the grammar for this word. A1 learners typically use '吉他' in simple subject-verb-object sentences to describe their hobbies or possessions. The goal is simple recognition and basic usage in daily conversation topics like 'About Me'.
At the A2 level, learners expand their use of '吉他' to include basic descriptions and desires. You might say 'I want to learn guitar' (我想学吉他) or 'My guitar is very expensive' (我的吉他很贵). At this level, you start to use adjectives to modify the noun. You also begin to distinguish between different types of guitars in a basic way, such as '电吉他' (electric guitar) versus '木吉他' (acoustic guitar). A2 learners should be able to ask others about their musical skills using '会' (huì - can/know how to). For example, '你会弹吉他吗?' (Can you play guitar?). You might also talk about where you play, like 'at home' (在家里) or 'at school' (在学校).
At the B1 level, the word '吉他' is used in more complex sentence structures, particularly involving the particle '得' (de) to describe how well someone plays. For example, '他吉他弹得非常棒' (He plays the guitar excellently). Learners at this stage can discuss their learning process, mentioning '练习' (liànxí - to practice) and '进步' (jìnbù - progress). You might talk about your favorite '吉他手' (guitarist) or a specific '吉他曲' (guitar piece). B1 learners are expected to handle more varied contexts, such as describing a scene at a concert or explaining why they enjoy the sound of the instrument. You might also start using '吉他' in '把' (bǎ) constructions, like '把吉他放好' (Put the guitar away properly).
At the B2 level, '吉他' becomes a tool for more nuanced discussion about music and culture. You can talk about the '音色' (yīnsè - tone/timbre) of different guitars or the '技巧' (jìqiǎo - technique) required for complex pieces. You might discuss the history of the guitar in China or its role in modern '摇滚乐' (yáogǔnyuè - rock music). At this stage, you should be comfortable using technical terms like '和弦' (héxián - chords), '指法' (zhǐfǎ - fingering), and '节奏' (jiézòu - rhythm). B2 learners can participate in debates about musical preferences, such as the merits of digital versus analog guitar effects, and can read short articles or reviews of guitar performances in Chinese media.
At the C1 level, '吉他' is discussed within broader sociological and artistic frameworks. You might analyze the guitar's influence on the '打口碟' (dakou - cut-out CDs) generation in China and how it shaped the underground music scene. Your vocabulary should include idiomatic expressions and formal terms. You can describe the '共鸣' (gòngmíng - resonance) of a vintage instrument or the '表现力' (biǎoxiànlì - expressiveness) of a specific guitarist's style. C1 learners can write essays about the evolution of guitar manufacturing in China or the pedagogical methods used in Chinese music academies. The word '吉他' becomes just one part of a sophisticated discourse on aesthetics, history, and performance theory.
At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over the word '吉他' and its various connotations. You can appreciate and use the rare term '六弦琴' in a literary context. You can engage in professional-level discussions about acoustic engineering, the physics of string vibration (弦振动), or the philosophy of music education. You can interpret subtle cultural references to the guitar in Chinese poetry or contemporary literature. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, including the use of slang or highly specialized jargon used by professional musicians. You can effortlessly switch between formal academic analysis and casual 'musician talk', understanding the deep cultural semiotics of the guitar in a Chinese-speaking world.

吉他 en 30 segundos

  • 吉他 (jítā) is the Chinese noun for 'guitar', a direct phonetic loanword from English.
  • The most important verb to use with guitar is 弹 (tán), meaning to pluck or play.
  • Always use the measure word 把 (bǎ) when counting or specifying a guitar.
  • It is a versatile word used for acoustic (木吉他) and electric (电吉他) varieties.

The Chinese word 吉他 (jítā) is a fascinating example of linguistic borrowing. It is a phonetic transliteration of the English word 'guitar'. In Mandarin, '吉' (jí) often means 'lucky' or 'auspicious', and '他' (tā) is the pronoun for 'him' or 'it'. However, when combined as jítā, these characters lose their individual meanings and serve purely as sounds to mimic the Western instrument's name. This word is a noun used to describe any variety of the six-stringed instrument, ranging from classical nylon-string guitars to modern electric ones. People use this word in almost every context involving music, from casual conversations about hobbies to professional discussions in music conservatories.

Classification
Noun (Transliteration)
Common Measure Word
把 (bǎ) - used for objects with handles or things you hold.

When you talk about playing the guitar, you must use the verb 弹 (tán), which means 'to pluck' or 'to play a stringed instrument'. Using '玩' (wán - to play/have fun) or '打' (dǎ - to hit) is a common mistake for beginners. The guitar has become an icon of youth culture in China, especially since the rise of Chinese rock in the 1980s and the more recent popularity of folk music and indie bands. You will hear this word in schools, parks, and music festivals across the country.

我正在学习弹吉他。 (Wǒ zhèngzài xuéxí tán jítā.) — I am currently learning to play the guitar.

In modern China, the guitar is often seen as a symbol of personal expression and romanticism. It is not uncommon to see students on university campuses carrying guitar cases or groups of friends gathering in parks to sing along to acoustic strumming. The word also appears in various compound forms, such as 电吉他 (diàn jítā) for electric guitar and 民谣吉他 (mínyáo jítā) for folk/acoustic guitar. Understanding the cultural weight of the guitar helps in understanding the modern Chinese musical landscape.

那把红色吉他是我的最爱。 (Nà bǎ hóngsè jítā shì wǒ de zuì'ài.) — That red guitar is my favorite.

Cultural Nuance
While traditional instruments like the Pipa are still respected, the guitar represents a globalized, modern identity for most Chinese speakers.

Using 吉他 (jítā) correctly involves more than just knowing the word; you need to understand the verbs and structures that surround it. The most important verb is 弹 (tán). This verb is specifically used for instruments played with fingers or a plectrum, like the piano or guitar. If you are describing someone's ability, you would use the structural particle 得 (de): '他吉他弹得很好' (He plays the guitar very well). This structure places the object (吉他) before the verb-result construction.

你会弹吉他吗? (Nǐ huì tán jítā ma?) — Can you play the guitar?

When buying or describing a guitar, you'll use adjectives like 新的 (xīn de - new), 旧的 (jiù de - old/used), or 昂贵的 (ángguì de - expensive). Because a guitar is a physical object you grasp, the measure word 把 (bǎ) is essential. For example, '三把吉他' (sān bǎ jítā) means three guitars. If you are talking about the sound of the guitar, you would use 琴声 (qínshēng) or 吉他的声音 (jítā de shēngyīn).

Sentence Structure 1
Subject + 弹 + 吉他 (e.g., 我弹吉他 - I play guitar)
Sentence Structure 2
Subject + 把 + 吉他 + Verb (e.g., 他把吉他拿走了 - He took the guitar away)

In more advanced sentences, you might describe the specific parts of the guitar, such as 琴弦 (qínxián - strings) or 指板 (zhǐbǎn - fretboard). '这把吉他的琴弦断了' (This guitar's strings are broken). You might also talk about the style of playing, such as 指弹 (zhǐtán - fingerstyle) or 扫弦 (sǎoxián - strumming). These technical terms add depth to your Chinese when discussing music.

我正在为我的吉他换弦。 (Wǒ zhèngzài wèi wǒ de jítā huàn xián.) — I am changing the strings for my guitar.

In daily life in China, you will encounter the word 吉他 (jítā) in several key environments. Firstly, in the education sector: many children and university students take guitar lessons. You'll see advertisements for '吉他培训班' (jítā péixùnbān - guitar training classes) in shopping malls or near schools. Secondly, in the retail world: '吉他店' (jítā diàn - guitar shops) are common in cities, particularly in artistic districts like Beijing's Gulou or Shanghai's music instrument street (Jinling Road).

在音乐商店里,有很多种吉他。 (Zài yīnyuè shāngdiàn lǐ, yǒu hěnduō zhǒng jítā.) — There are many types of guitars in the music store.

Social media and television are also huge platforms for the word. On apps like Douyin (TikTok) or Bilibili, '吉他翻唱' (jítā fānchàng - guitar covers) are extremely popular. Influencers often start their videos by saying '今天我用吉他弹唱一首歌' (Today I will use the guitar to sing and play a song). On TV, variety shows like 'The Big Band' (乐队的夏天) have brought the term '电吉他' into the living rooms of millions, discussing '吉他手' (jítāshǒu - guitarists) and their '吉他独奏' (jítā dúzòu - guitar solos).

Common Contexts
Concerts, Music Schools, Online Video Platforms, Street Performances.

Furthermore, in the context of street culture, you might see '卖艺' (màiyì - performing for money) where a '吉他手' performs in subways or squares. While this is less common now due to regulations, the image of the '吉他青年' (guitar youth) remains a powerful cultural trope in Chinese literature and film, representing a certain kind of wandering, artistic spirit. If you go to a KTV (Karaoke), some song videos will feature guitarists, and people might discuss the '吉他伴奏' (jítā bànzòu - guitar accompaniment) of a particular track.

这条街上经常有人弹吉他。 (Zhè tiáo jiē shàng jīngcháng yǒurén tán jítā.) — There are often people playing the guitar on this street.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using 吉他 (jítā) is choosing the wrong verb. In English, we 'play' the guitar, 'play' football, and 'play' with toys. In Chinese, these are all different verbs. Using 玩 (wán) for guitar sounds like you are playing with it as a toy, not performing music. You must use 弹 (tán). Similarly, don't use 打 (dǎ), which is for drums or sports involving hitting.

错误:我会玩吉他。 (Incorrect: Wǒ huì wán jítā.)
正确:我会弹吉他。 (Correct: Wǒ huì tán jítā.)

Another common pitfall is the measure word. Beginners often default to 个 (gè) because it's the general measure word. However, objects with handles or long shapes like guitars require 把 (bǎ). Saying '一个吉他' isn't technically incomprehensible, but it marks you immediately as a non-native speaker. Think of as 'a handful' or 'a unit with a grip'.

Verb Error
Using '玩' (wán) instead of '弹' (tán).
Measure Word Error
Using '个' (gè) instead of '把' (bǎ).

Pronunciation is also a hurdle. The 'ji' in jítā is a palatal sound, similar to the 'ee' in 'jeep' but with the tongue flat against the palate. The 'tā' is aspirated, like the 't' in 'top'. Beginners sometimes forget the second tone on and the first tone on , leading to confusion with other words. For instance, 'jītā' (first-first) isn't a standard word, and 'jǐtā' (third-first) might sound like you're trying to say 'several of them' (几个他 - jǐ gè tā) in a very garbled way.

注意:不要把吉他和贝斯混淆。 (Note: Don't confuse guitar with bass.)

When discussing 吉他 (jítā), it's helpful to know related instruments to broaden your vocabulary. The most direct relative is the 贝斯 (bèisī), which is the transliteration for 'bass guitar'. While they look similar, a bass usually has four strings and a deeper tone. Another common relative is the 尤克里里 (yóukèlǐlǐ), the transliteration for 'ukulele'. These are often seen as 'small guitars' by beginners, but they have their own distinct name and culture in China.

吉他 (jítā) vs. 贝斯 (bèisī)
Guitar (6 strings, melodic) vs. Bass (4 strings, rhythmic). Both use '弹' (tán).
吉他 (jítā) vs. 琵琶 (pípá)
Guitar is Western; Pipa is a traditional Chinese four-stringed lute. Both use '弹' (tán).

For a more formal or classical context, you might hear the term 六弦琴 (liùxiánqín), which literally means 'six-stringed instrument'. This was the older name for the guitar before the transliteration jítā became the standard. Nowadays, 六弦琴 is quite rare and sounds a bit poetic or dated. If you are talking about specific types, remember 电吉他 (diàn jítā - electric) and 古典吉他 (gǔdiǎn jítā - classical).

比起吉他,我更喜欢弹尤克里里。 (Compared to the guitar, I prefer playing the ukulele.)

In the world of music production, you might encounter 伴奏 (bànzòu - accompaniment). A guitar is often the primary '伴奏乐器'. If someone is playing alone, it's a 独奏 (dúdòu - solo). Knowing these alternatives allows you to describe musical performances with much higher precision. For example, '这首歌的吉他伴奏很好听' (The guitar accompaniment of this song is very nice).

他用吉他为歌手伴奏。 (He uses the guitar to accompany the singer.)

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

Before '吉他' became the standard term, some Chinese documents referred to it as '六弦琴' (six-stringed instrument) to explain what it was using Chinese logic.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /dʒiːˈtɑː/
US /ɡɪˈtɑːr/
Second syllable in English; first syllable is second tone (rising), second syllable is first tone (high flat) in Chinese.
Rima con
其他 (qítā - others) 提拔 (tíbá - to promote) 泥巴 (níbā - mud) 喇叭 (lǎba - trumpet) 尾巴 (wěiba - tail) 篱笆 (líba - fence) 枇杷 (pípá - loquat) 爸爸 (bàba - dad - though tones differ)
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing 'ji' like 'gee' in 'geese' but with the wrong tone.
  • Forgetting the aspiration on 'ta'.
  • Pronouncing 'ji' as 'zhi' (retroflex).
  • Using third tone on 'ji' instead of second tone.
  • Dropping the 'a' sound at the end of 'ta'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 1/5

The characters are relatively simple and the word is a loanword, making it very easy to recognize.

Escritura 2/5

吉 and 他 are common characters, but learners must remember the specific combination.

Expresión oral 1/5

Phonetically very close to English, so it's easy to pronounce.

Escucha 1/5

Easy to pick out in a sentence due to its unique sound.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

我 (I) 有 (have) 喜欢 (like) 弹 (play - instrument) 把 (measure word)

Aprende después

钢琴 (piano) 音乐 (music) 歌曲 (song) 乐队 (band) 表演 (perform)

Avanzado

指法 (fingering) 和弦 (chord) 节奏 (rhythm) 音色 (tone) 即兴 (improvise)

Gramática que debes saber

Measure Word '把' (bǎ)

我有三把吉他。(I have three guitars.)

Verb '弹' (tán) for stringed instruments

他在弹吉他。(He is playing the guitar.)

Particle '得' (de) for degree/manner

他吉他弹得很好。(He plays guitar well.)

Potential complement '弹好' (tán hǎo)

我一定要弹好吉他。(I must play the guitar well.)

Preposition '用' (yòng) for instruments

他用吉他创作歌曲。(He uses the guitar to create songs.)

Ejemplos por nivel

1

我喜欢吉他。

I like guitar.

Simple Subject + Verb + Object.

2

这是一把吉他。

This is a guitar.

Uses the correct measure word '把'.

3

他有一把吉他。

He has a guitar.

Basic possession with '有'.

4

你会弹吉他吗?

Can you play guitar?

Question form with '吗'.

5

吉他在桌子上。

The guitar is on the table.

Locational sentence with '在'.

6

那把吉他很漂亮。

That guitar is very beautiful.

Adjective description with '很'.

7

我不弹吉他。

I don't play guitar.

Negative form with '不'.

8

老师教吉他。

The teacher teaches guitar.

Subject + Verb + Object.

1

我想买一把新吉他。

I want to buy a new guitar.

Use of '想' (want) and '新' (new).

2

我的吉他坏了。

My guitar is broken.

Resultative state with '坏了'.

3

他在家里弹吉他。

He is playing guitar at home.

Prepositional phrase '在家里'.

4

这把吉他多少钱?

How much is this guitar?

Asking for price with '多少钱'.

5

我每天练习吉他。

I practice guitar every day.

Time adverb '每天'.

6

你会弹电吉他吗?

Can you play electric guitar?

Specific noun '电吉他'.

7

吉他比钢琴容易学。

Guitar is easier to learn than piano.

Comparison with '比'.

8

我想去听吉他音乐会。

I want to go to a guitar concert.

Compound noun '吉他音乐会'.

1

他吉他弹得非常好听。

He plays the guitar very beautifully.

Verb-complement structure with '得'.

2

学习吉他需要很多耐心。

Learning guitar requires a lot of patience.

Abstract subject '学习吉他'.

3

如果你努力,就能弹好吉他。

If you work hard, you can play guitar well.

Conditional '如果...就...'.

4

这把吉他是他爸爸送给他的。

This guitar was given to him by his father.

'是...的' construction for emphasis.

5

我最喜欢的乐器是吉他。

My favorite instrument is the guitar.

Superlative '最喜欢'.

6

虽然吉他很难,但我不想放弃。

Although guitar is hard, I don't want to give up.

Concession '虽然...但...'.

7

他在街上弹吉他卖艺。

He is busking with a guitar on the street.

Describing a specific activity.

8

请把吉他递给我。

Please hand me the guitar.

'把' construction for disposal.

1

这把吉他的音色非常温暖。

The tone of this guitar is very warm.

Using technical term '音色'.

2

他已经掌握了吉他的基本指法。

He has already mastered the basic fingering of the guitar.

Using '掌握' (master) and '指法' (fingering).

3

为了买这把吉他,他攒了半年的钱。

In order to buy this guitar, he saved money for half a year.

'为了' (in order to) purpose clause.

4

这首曲子对吉他技巧要求很高。

This piece requires high guitar technique.

'对...要求很高' structure.

5

他打算组建一个有吉他手的乐队。

He plans to form a band with a guitarist.

Using '组建' (form) and '吉他手' (guitarist).

6

他在网上看吉他教学视频。

He watches guitar tutorial videos online.

Compound noun '教学视频'.

7

吉他的弦需要定期更换。

Guitar strings need to be replaced regularly.

Using '定期' (regularly) and '更换' (replace).

8

这把古典吉他是手工制作的。

This classical guitar is handmade.

Passive-like '是...的' with '手工制作'.

1

吉他在中国摇滚乐的发展中扮演了核心角色。

The guitar played a central role in the development of Chinese rock music.

Using '扮演...角色' (play a role).

2

这位吉他大师的演奏风格独树一帜。

This guitar master's performance style is unique.

Idiom '独树一帜' (unique/independent style).

3

他试图通过吉他来表达内心的孤独。

He tries to express his inner loneliness through the guitar.

Using '通过...来...' (through... to...).

4

这把名贵吉他的收藏价值极高。

The collectible value of this precious guitar is extremely high.

Using '收藏价值' (collectible value).

5

吉他的共鸣箱设计直接影响其音质。

The design of the guitar's resonance box directly affects its sound quality.

Technical terms '共鸣箱' and '音质'.

6

他在吉他即兴演奏方面有着过人的天赋。

He has extraordinary talent in guitar improvisation.

Using '在...方面' (in the aspect of).

7

这种吉他指弹技巧融合了多种音乐元素。

This guitar fingerstyle technique integrates various musical elements.

Using '融合' (merge/integrate).

8

吉他不仅仅是乐器,更是某种文化的象征。

The guitar is not just an instrument, but a symbol of a certain culture.

'不仅仅是...更是...' (not only... but also...).

1

其吉他演奏中流露出的细腻情感令人叹为观止。

The delicate emotions revealed in his guitar playing are breathtaking.

Advanced idiom '叹为观止' (breathtaking).

2

这部作品对吉他演奏者的艺术造诣提出了严峻挑战。

This work poses a severe challenge to the artistic attainment of the guitarist.

Using '艺术造诣' (artistic attainment).

3

吉他在当代音乐审美变迁中具有不可忽视的地位。

The guitar holds a position that cannot be ignored in the evolution of contemporary musical aesthetics.

Using '不可忽视' (cannot be ignored).

4

他将吉他的金属质感与古典旋律完美地结合在一起。

He perfectly combined the metallic texture of the guitar with classical melodies.

Using '金属质感' (metallic texture).

5

对于吉他发烧友来说,琴木的产地和年份至关重要。

For guitar enthusiasts, the origin and vintage of the tonewood are crucial.

Using '发烧友' (enthusiast/aficionado).

6

吉他演奏中的揉弦技巧能赋予乐句以生命力。

The vibrato technique in guitar playing can endow musical phrases with vitality.

Using '赋予...以...' (endow with).

7

该协奏曲充分挖掘了吉他在管弦乐队中的表现潜力。

The concerto fully explores the expressive potential of the guitar within an orchestra.

Using '充分挖掘' (fully explore/exploit).

8

吉他之于他,正如笔之于作家,是灵魂的延伸。

The guitar to him, just like the pen to a writer, is an extension of the soul.

Analogy structure 'A之于B,正如C之于D'.

Colocaciones comunes

弹吉他
一把吉他
吉他手
学吉他
吉他谱
吉他课
吉他弦
吉他包
调吉他
吉他伴奏

Frases Comunes

吉他独奏

— A guitar solo performance. Used when one person plays without other instruments.

音乐会的高潮是一段精彩的吉他独奏。

吉他弹唱

— Singing while playing the guitar. A very common hobby in China.

他最擅长民谣吉他弹唱。

吉他培训

— Guitar training or lessons. Often seen in advertisements.

这里提供专业的吉他培训课程。

吉他大师

— A guitar master or virtuoso. Used for highly skilled players.

他被誉为当代的吉他大师。

吉他发烧友

— A guitar enthusiast or geek. Someone who loves collecting or talking about guitars.

作为一个吉他发烧友,他收藏了十多把名琴。

吉他技巧

— Guitar techniques. Refers to the physical skills of playing.

他的吉他技巧非常纯熟。

吉他音箱

— Guitar amplifier. Essential for electric guitar players.

没有吉他音箱,电吉他的声音很小。

吉他效果器

— Guitar effects pedal. Used to change the sound of the guitar.

他买了一个新的吉他效果器。

吉他拨片

— Guitar pick or plectrum. Small tool used to pluck strings.

我的吉他拨片掉在地上了。

吉他曲

— A guitar piece or song. Refers to the music itself.

这是一首非常有名的古典吉他曲。

Se confunde a menudo con

吉他 vs 钢琴 (gāngqín)

Both use the verb '弹', but one is a piano and the other is a guitar.

吉他 vs 贝斯 (bèisī)

Similar appearance, but bass has fewer strings and a lower pitch.

吉他 vs 琵琶 (pípá)

Traditional Chinese instrument, also plucked, but different shape and history.

Modismos y expresiones

"对牛弹琴"

— To play the lute to a cow. It means to preach to deaf ears or to address the wrong audience. Although it uses '琴' (lute), it's the closest idiom relating to stringed instrument playing.

跟他谈论艺术简直是对牛弹琴。

Common Idiom
"乱弹琴"

— To play the piano/lute randomly. It idiomatically means to act or talk nonsense, or to do things in a chaotic way.

你这简直是在乱弹琴,根本不符合逻辑。

Colloquial
"琴瑟和谐"

— The lute and zither are in harmony. Refers to a happy, harmonious marriage.

祝你们夫妻二人琴瑟和谐,白头偕老。

Formal/Literary
"一弦一柱"

— Every string and every fret. Usually refers to the intricate details of a musical instrument or a deep feeling.

这一弦一柱,都承载着他的思念。

Poetic
"焚琴煮鹤"

— Burning a lute to cook a crane. To destroy beautiful things or to be a philistine/uncultured person.

这种行为简直是焚琴煮鹤,太煞风景了。

Literary
"剑胆琴心"

— The courage of a sword and the heart of a lute. Describes someone who is both brave and refined.

他是一个剑胆琴心的英雄人物。

Literary
"琴棋书画"

— The four arts of the Chinese scholar: lute, go, calligraphy, and painting. Represents a well-rounded education.

她从小就精通琴棋书画。

Traditional
"改弦更张"

— To change the strings and stretch the bow. To change one's course or policy completely.

面对新的形势,我们必须改弦更张。

Formal
"扣人心弦"

— To tug at one's heartstrings. Used for something very moving or exciting.

这场比赛真是扣人心弦。

Common
"绝弦"

— To break the strings. A metaphor for losing a soulmate or a great friend (based on the story of Bo Ya).

知音不在,从此绝弦。

Literary

Fácil de confundir

吉他 vs 尤克里里 (yóukèlǐlǐ)

Often called 'small guitar' by beginners.

Ukulele has 4 strings and is smaller; Guitar has 6 strings and is larger.

这不是吉他,这是尤克里里。

吉他 vs 提琴 (tíqín)

Both are string instruments.

Tiqin (violin/cello) uses a bow (拉 - lā); Guitar is plucked (弹 - tán).

他会弹吉他,但不会拉提琴。

吉他 vs 古筝 (gǔzhēng)

Both are plucked string instruments.

Guzheng is a traditional Chinese horizontal zither; Guitar is a Western vertical lute.

吉他是西洋乐器,古筝是民乐。

吉他 vs 贝斯 (bèisī)

They look similar in a band setting.

Bass provides rhythm/low end; Guitar provides melody/chords.

他是贝斯手,不是吉他手。

吉他 vs 竖琴 (shùqín)

Both have '琴' in the name and are plucked.

Harp is much larger and has many more strings.

竖琴的声音比吉他更空灵。

Patrones de oraciones

A1

我喜欢[吉他]。

我喜欢吉他。

A2

我想学[弹吉他]。

我想学弹吉他。

B1

[Subject] [吉他] 弹得 [Adverb]。

他吉他弹得非常棒。

B2

这把吉他的[音色/质量]很[Adjective]。

这把吉他的音色很温暖。

C1

[吉他]在[Context]中扮演了重要角色。

吉他在现代音乐中扮演了重要角色。

C2

与其说它是[吉他],不如说它是[Metaphor]。

与其说它是吉他,不如说它是他的老朋友。

Any

你会[弹吉他]吗?

你会弹吉他吗?

Any

这是一把[Color/Type]的吉他。

这是一把红色的吉他。

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

吉他手 (jítāshǒu - guitarist)
吉他谱 (jítāpǔ - guitar tab/score)
吉他弦 (jítāxián - guitar strings)
吉他箱 (jítāxiāng - guitar case/amp)

Verbos

弹吉他 (tán jítā - to play guitar)
调吉他 (tiáo jítā - to tune guitar)

Relacionado

乐器 (instrument)
音乐 (music)
和弦 (chord)
旋律 (melody)
节奏 (rhythm)

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very high in modern urban contexts, music, and education.

Errores comunes
  • Using '玩' (wán) to mean 'play guitar'. 弹吉他 (tán jítā)

    In Chinese, '玩' is for playing games or toys. '弹' is the specific verb for plucking stringed instruments.

  • Using '个' (gè) as the measure word. 一把吉他 (yī bǎ jítā)

    The measure word '把' is used for objects with handles or things that can be grasped.

  • Confusing '吉他' (jítā) with '提琴' (tíqín). 吉他 (guitar) vs 提琴 (violin/cello)

    While both have '琴' in the broader sense, '吉他' is the specific name for a guitar.

  • Wrong tones: 'jītā' (1st-1st) or 'jǐtā' (3rd-1st). jítā (2nd-1st)

    Tone errors can lead to confusion, though context usually helps with this specific loanword.

  • Saying '打吉他' (dǎ jítā). 弹吉他 (tán jítā)

    '打' is for percussion or sports. Unless you are literally hitting the guitar, use '弹'.

Consejos

Use the right verb

Always pair '吉他' with '弹' (tán). Using other verbs like '玩' or '打' will make you sound like a beginner. Practice saying '弹吉他' as a single phrase.

Know your types

Learn the difference between '电吉他' (electric) and '木吉他' (acoustic). This helps you be more specific in conversations about music preferences.

Campus Folk

If you want to connect with Chinese people over 30, ask them about '校园民谣' (campus folk). It's the genre that made the guitar iconic in China.

Tone Accuracy

The second tone on 'jí' is crucial. If you say it with a first tone, it sounds like 'chicken' (鸡 - jī), although the second character '他' usually prevents total confusion.

Measure Word '把'

When writing shopping lists or descriptions, always use '一把吉他'. This is a hallmark of natural-sounding Chinese.

Loanword Recognition

Because '吉他' sounds like 'guitar', use it as an 'anchor word' when listening to fast speech to help you understand the context of the sentence.

Learn '吉他手'

Adding '手' (shǒu) to instruments is a common pattern (e.g., 鼓手 - drummer). Learning '吉他手' helps you learn this pattern for other words.

Describe your guitar

Practice describing a guitar using color and size: '我有一把大大的、红色的吉他'. This builds your descriptive skills.

Learn '调音'

If you play, learn '调音' (tiáoyīn - tuning). It's very useful if you ever find yourself in a Chinese music studio or guitar shop.

KTV Tip

In KTV, many popular songs have guitar-heavy arrangements. Mentioning the '吉他伴奏' (accompaniment) is a great way to talk about the music.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'Lucky' (吉 - jí) person playing for 'Him' (他 - tā). The lucky guy plays the guitar for him.

Asociación visual

Imagine the character '吉' looking like a small person standing on a stage, and '他' as the audience member listening to the guitar.

Word Web

音乐 (Music) 弹 (Play) 弦 (String) 乐队 (Band) 民谣 (Folk) 摇滚 (Rock) 艺术 (Art) 声音 (Sound)

Desafío

Try to say 'I want to buy a guitar' in Chinese three times fast while mimicking the strumming motion. (我想买一把吉他 - Wǒ xiǎng mǎi yī bǎ jítā).

Origen de la palabra

The word '吉他' is a loanword from the English word 'guitar'. The English word itself comes from the Spanish 'guitarra', which traces back to the Greek 'kithara'. It entered the Chinese language during the late 19th or early 20th century as Western influence grew.

Significado original: A stringed musical instrument.

Indo-European (via English loanword).

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities; the guitar is a universally positive or neutral object in China.

In English-speaking countries, the guitar is the most popular instrument for beginners, a trait shared by modern urban China.

Cui Jian (崔健) - The father of Chinese rock, often seen with a guitar. Gao Xiaosong (高晓松) - A famous songwriter known for campus folk guitar music. The movie 'City of Rock' (缝纫机乐队) which centers around guitar culture in a small Chinese town.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Music Class

  • 老师,这把吉他怎么调音?
  • 我还没学会这个和弦。
  • 请再演示一遍指法。
  • 我可以借用你的吉他拨片吗?

Music Store

  • 这把吉他是哪儿生产的?
  • 我可以试弹一下这把电吉他吗?
  • 有没有便宜一点的木吉他?
  • 我想买一套新的吉他弦。

Concert

  • 那个吉他手太酷了!
  • 吉他的声音有点太大了。
  • 这是一段很长的吉他独奏。
  • 我喜欢这首歌的吉他伴奏。

Hobby Discussion

  • 你学吉他多久了?
  • 我每天练习一个小时吉他。
  • 你会弹哪种风格的吉他?
  • 我最喜欢的吉他手是...

Online/Social Media

  • 求这首歌的吉他谱。
  • 这是一个吉他翻唱视频。
  • 求大神指点吉他技巧。
  • 吉他初学者求推荐教材。

Inicios de conversación

"你会弹吉他吗?我很想学。(Can you play guitar? I really want to learn.)"

"你最喜欢的吉他手是谁?(Who is your favorite guitarist?)"

"你觉得吉他和钢琴哪个更难学?(Do you think guitar or piano is harder to learn?)"

"你听过这首吉他曲吗?非常有意思。(Have you heard this guitar piece? It's very interesting.)"

"我想买一把吉他,你有什么好的建议吗?(I want to buy a guitar, do you have any good suggestions?)"

Temas para diario

描述你第一次见到吉他的场景以及你对它的印象。(Describe the first time you saw a guitar and your impression of it.)

如果你会弹吉他,写一写你练习时的感受。(If you can play guitar, write about how you feel when you practice.)

写一写为什么吉他在年轻人中这么受欢迎。(Write about why the guitar is so popular among young people.)

想象你拥有一把神奇的吉他,它能弹出什么样的声音?(Imagine you have a magical guitar, what kind of sound can it play?)

讨论一下音乐(特别是吉他音乐)在你生活中的重要性。(Discuss the importance of music, especially guitar music, in your life.)

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

The correct measure word for a guitar is '把' (bǎ). This is because the guitar is an object with a neck or 'handle' that you grasp. Using '个' (gè) is common for beginners but technically incorrect.

You say '弹吉他' (tán jítā). The verb '弹' means to pluck or play a stringed instrument with your fingers or a pick. Do not use '玩' (wán), which means to play like a child with a toy.

Yes, it is a phonetic transliteration. 'Ji' sounds like the 'gi' in 'gift' (but with a 'j' sound like 'jeep') and 'ta' sounds like 'tar'. The tones are second (rising) and first (high flat).

An electric guitar is called '电吉他' (diàn jítā). '电' means electricity, so it literally translates to 'electric guitar'.

It is most commonly called '木吉他' (mù jítā), meaning 'wooden guitar'. Professionals might use '原声吉他' (yuánshēng jítā).

No. '打' is used for drums (打鼓) or sports (打球). For guitar, you must use '弹' (tán).

A guitar player is called a '吉他手' (jítāshǒu). The '手' suffix indicates a person who is skilled at a particular manual task or instrument.

Guitar strings are called '吉他弦' (jítāxián). '弦' means string.

Yes, it is extremely popular among young people, students, and indie musicians. It's one of the most common instruments for people to learn as a hobby.

It is called a '吉他谱' (jítāpǔ). '谱' means score or chart.

Ponte a prueba 200 preguntas

writing

Write 'I have a guitar' in Chinese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'He plays the guitar very well.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'I want to learn electric guitar.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'This guitar is very expensive.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'My guitar string is broken.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'Do you like guitar music?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'He is a famous guitarist.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence using '把' and '吉他'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'I practice guitar every day.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'Classical guitar is hard to learn.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Describe your favorite guitar in one sentence.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'The guitar tone is very warm.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write: 'I am changing the guitar strings.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'I saw a man playing guitar on the street.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write: 'Guitar is an interesting instrument.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'He mastered the technique.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write: 'Please tune the guitar.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'I bought a guitar book yesterday.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write: 'She is singing with guitar accompaniment.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'The guitar is a bridge of culture.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Guitar' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'I play guitar.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Ask 'Can you play guitar?'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'One guitar' with the correct measure word.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Electric guitar' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'I like listening to guitar music.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'He plays guitar very well.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'I want to buy a new guitar.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Where is my guitar?'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'This is a wooden guitar.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'I practice guitar every day.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Guitarist' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'The guitar strings are broken.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Please give me the guitar score.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'I am a guitar enthusiast.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'The guitar tone is beautiful.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'I am learning classical guitar.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'The guitar is on the table.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Don't touch my guitar.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'I love guitar solos.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to the word: jítā. What instrument is it?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Wǒ xǐhuān tán jítā.' What does the person like?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Zhè bǎ jítā hěn guì.' Is the guitar cheap or expensive?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Tā shì yī gè jítāshǒu.' What is his profession/hobby?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Nǐ huì tán jítā ma?' What is the speaker asking?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Mù jítā.' What type of guitar is this?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Diàn jítā.' What type of guitar is this?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Jítā xián duàn le.' What happened?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Qǐng tiáo yī xià jítā.' What should be done to the guitar?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Tā jítā tán de hěn hǎo.' How well does he play?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Jítā pǔ zài nǎ'er?' What is the speaker looking for?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Wǒ měitiān liànxí jítā.' How often does the speaker practice?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Gǔdiǎn jítā.' What style of guitar is mentioned?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Jítā dúzòu.' What kind of performance is it?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Jítā fāshāoyǒu.' What kind of person is being described?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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