When talking about hobbies or musical instruments, you'll often encounter the word 吉他 (jítā).
It's a straightforward noun meaning "guitar," and it's quite common in everyday conversation.
You can use it when discussing playing an instrument, buying a guitar, or simply mentioning the instrument in passing.
For example, if you want to say "I play the guitar," you'd say "我弹吉他 (Wǒ tán jítā)."
吉他 in 30 Seconds
- Popular string instrument
- Used in many music styles
- Has six strings
§ Similar Words and When to Use 'Jita'
When you're talking about musical instruments in Chinese, '吉他' (jítā) is pretty straightforward for 'guitar.' But what about other instruments, and how do you make sure you're using '吉他' correctly in different sentences?
First, let's confirm what '吉他' means:
- DEFINITION
- guitar
This word is a direct transliteration from English, which is very common for many modern concepts and foreign objects in Chinese. This makes it easier to remember!
You'll often use '吉他' when talking about playing the instrument, buying one, or just mentioning it in a list of instruments. Here are some common ways to use it:
- Playing the guitar: 弹吉他 (tán jítā). The verb 弹 (tán) is used for plucking or strumming instruments.
- Guitar player: 吉他手 (jítāshǒu). The character 手 (shǒu) means hand, so literally 'guitar hand.'
- Electric guitar: 电吉他 (diàn jítā). 电 (diàn) means electricity.
- Acoustic guitar: 木吉他 (mù jítā). 木 (mù) means wood.
他喜欢弹吉他。(Tā xǐhuān tán jítā.)
He likes to play the guitar.
我有一把新吉他。(Wǒ yǒu yì bǎ xīn jítā.)
I have a new guitar.
Here, '把' (bǎ) is the measure word for a guitar. Remember, measure words are super important in Chinese!
§ Alternatives and When to Use 'Jita'
There aren't really 'alternative' words for 'guitar' in common Chinese, but it's helpful to know how it fits in with other instruments. You wouldn't use '吉他' for any other instrument. Each instrument has its own specific name.
For example, you would never say '弹钢琴' (tán gāngqín) if you meant to say 'play the guitar.' You must use '弹吉他' (tán jítā).
The key is to learn the specific name for each instrument you want to talk about. '吉他' is specifically for guitar, and it's used exactly as you'd expect. No tricky nuances here!
So, to sum it up: when you want to talk about a guitar, whether playing it, buying it, or seeing one, '吉他' is your go-to word. It's clear, widely understood, and directly corresponds to 'guitar' in English. Keep it simple, and you'll be speaking Chinese like a pro in no time!
Examples by Level
他每天晚上都弹吉他。
He plays guitar every evening.
我正在学习弹吉他。
I am learning to play the guitar.
这把吉他很贵。
This guitar is very expensive.
她喜欢听吉他音乐。
She likes listening to guitar music.
我没有吉他。
I don't have a guitar.
他用吉他为她唱歌。
He sang for her with his guitar.
我想买一把新吉他。
I want to buy a new guitar.
弹吉他需要练习。
Playing the guitar requires practice.
他用他那把老旧的吉他弹奏着忧伤的旋律，每一个音符都充满了故事。
He played melancholic tunes on his old guitar, every note full of stories.
老旧 (lǎojiù) means old/worn out. 忧伤 (yōushāng) means melancholic. 旋律 (xuánlǜ) means melody. 充满 (chōngmǎn) means to be full of.
在那个小小的酒吧里，吉他声与人们的谈笑声交织在一起，构成了一幅独特的夜景。
In that small bar, the sound of the guitar and people's chatter intertwined, forming a unique night scene.
谈笑声 (tánxiàoshēng) refers to the sound of talking and laughing. 交织 (jiāzhī) means to interweave. 构成 (gòuchéng) means to constitute/form. 独特 (dútè) means unique. 夜景 (yèjǐng) means night scene.
她梦想着有一天能站在舞台中央，手握吉他，唱出自己的心声。
She dreams of one day standing center stage, holding a guitar, and singing her heart out.
梦想着 (mèngxiǎngzhe) means to dream of. 舞台中央 (wǔtái zhōngyāng) means center stage. 手握 (shǒuwò) means to hold in one's hand. 心声 (xīnshēng) means heartfelt wishes/feelings.
为了学习吉他，他牺牲了许多周末的玩乐时间，但从不后悔。
To learn guitar, he sacrificed many weekend leisure hours, but never regretted it.
牺牲 (xīshēng) means to sacrifice. 玩乐时间 (wánlè shíjiān) means leisure/play time. 后悔 (hòuhuǐ) means to regret.
那把手工制作的吉他不仅音色纯净，而且每一个细节都透露着匠人的心血。
That handcrafted guitar not only has a pure tone, but every detail reveals the craftsman's dedication.
手工制作 (shǒugōng zhìzuò) means handcrafted. 音色 (yīnsè) means timbre/tone. 纯净 (chúnjìng) means pure. 透露 (tòulù) means to reveal. 匠人 (jiàngrén) means craftsman. 心血 (xīnxuè) means painstaking effort.
吉他手即兴的演奏引来了阵阵掌声，他的手指在琴弦上跳跃，充满了魔力。
The guitarist's impromptu performance drew bursts of applause; his fingers danced on the strings, full of magic.
即兴 (jíxìng) means impromptu. 演奏 (yǎnzòu) means to perform (music). 引来 (yǐnlai) means to attract. 阵阵 (zhènzhèn) means bursts of. 掌声 (zhǎngshēng) means applause. 琴弦 (qínxián) means strings of a musical instrument. 跳跃 (tiàoyuè) means to jump/dance. 魔力 (mólì) means magic.
自从他拥有了第一把吉他，音乐就成为了他生活中不可或缺的一部分。
Ever since he owned his first guitar, music has become an indispensable part of his life.
自从 (zìcóng) means ever since. 拥有 (yǒngyǒu) means to possess. 不可或缺 (bùkě huòquē) means indispensable.
她坐在篝火旁，轻拨吉他，歌声与噼啪作响的火焰共同营造出温馨的氛围。
She sat by the campfire, gently strumming her guitar; her singing and the crackling flames together created a warm atmosphere.
篝火 (gōuhuǒ) means campfire. 轻拨 (qīngbō) means to gently pluck/strum. 噼啪作响 (pīpā zuòxiǎng) means to crackle. 火焰 (huǒyàn) means flame. 共同 (gòngtóng) means together. 营造 (yíngzào) means to create/build. 温馨 (wēnxīn) means warm/cozy. 氛围 (fēnwéi) means atmosphere.
Grammar Patterns
Sentence Patterns
这是我的吉他.
This is my guitar.
你会弹吉他吗?
Can you play the guitar?
我喜欢听吉他音乐.
I like listening to guitar music.
他买了一把新吉他.
He bought a new guitar.
我的吉他很旧了.
My guitar is very old.
她每天练习吉他.
She practices guitar every day.
这把吉他很漂亮.
This guitar is very beautiful.
我想要一把吉他.
I want a guitar.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Tips
Hear it correctly
The 'ji' in 吉 is pronounced like the gee in 'geese'. The 'ta' in 他 sounds like the ta in 'target'.
Relate to English
It sounds a bit like 'gee-tar', which can help you remember it's a guitar.
Practice speaking
Say it out loud: '我喜欢弹吉他.' (Wǒ xǐhuān tán jítā. I like to play the guitar.)
Practice listening
Listen to how native speakers say '吉他' in songs or videos. Pay attention to the tones.
Use a sentence
他会弹吉他吗？ (Tā huì tán jítā ma? Can he play the guitar?)
Visualize it
Imagine someone playing a guitar while you say '吉他'.
Write it down
Write the characters 吉他 a few times. This helps with recognition and muscle memory for writing 'guitar'.
Identify the characters
吉 (jí) means 'lucky' or 'auspicious', and 他 (tā) means 'he/him'. Together, they form 'guitar', though the individual meanings don't directly relate to the instrument.
Don't confuse tones
吉 is a second tone (rising), and 他 is a first tone (flat). Getting these right helps ensure you're saying 'guitar' and not something else.
Use it in context
你喜欢哪种吉他？ (Nǐ xǐhuān nǎ zhǒng jítā? Which type of guitar do you like?)
Test Yourself 48 questions
她会弹___。
The sentence means 'She can play the ___.' Among the options, '吉他' (guitar) fits the context of playing an instrument.
我喜欢听___音乐。
The sentence means 'I like listening to ___ music.' '吉他' (guitar) is a type of instrument often associated with music.
他买了一把新___。
The sentence means 'He bought a new ___.' '吉他' (guitar) is an item that one would buy, and the measure word '把' is used for it.
我们一起弹___吧。
The sentence means 'Let's play the ___ together.' '弹' (tán) means to play a stringed instrument, so '吉他' (guitar) is the correct choice.
我的朋友会弹___。
The sentence means 'My friend can play the ___.' '吉他' (guitar) is an instrument that can be played.
这把___很好听。
The sentence means 'This ___ sounds good.' '吉他' (guitar) is an instrument that produces sound, and '好听' (hǎotīng) means 'sounds good'.
This sentence means 'He has a guitar.' The usual word order in Chinese is Subject + Verb + Object.
This sentence means 'I like to play the guitar.' '弹 (tán)' is the verb for playing string instruments.
This sentence means 'This is my guitar.' '我的 (wǒ de)' means 'my'.
她会弹___。
The sentence means 'She can play the guitar.' 吉他 (jítā) means guitar.
你喜欢听___音乐吗？
The sentence asks 'Do you like listening to guitar music?' 吉他 (jítā) refers to the instrument.
他买了一把新___。
The sentence means 'He bought a new guitar.' The classifier for guitar is 把 (bǎ).
吉他是一种乐器。
吉他 (jítā) is indeed a musical instrument.
我可以用吉他做饭。
You cannot use a guitar to cook. 吉他 (jítā) is a musical instrument.
弹吉他需要用手。
Playing the guitar, or 弹吉他 (tán jítā), requires using your hands.
Write a sentence describing someone playing the guitar in Chinese. Focus on using the word '吉他'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
他喜欢弹吉他。(He likes to play the guitar.)
Imagine you want to buy a guitar. Write a simple Chinese sentence asking if a store has guitars.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
你们有吉他吗？(Do you have guitars?)
Write a short sentence in Chinese about someone who is good at playing the guitar.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
她弹吉他弹得很棒。(She plays the guitar very well.)
小明每天晚上做什么？
Read this passage:
小明有一把吉他。他每天晚上都会练习弹吉他。他的吉他声音很好听。
小明每天晚上做什么？
根据文章，小明每天晚上都会练习弹吉他。(According to the passage, Xiaoming practices playing the guitar every evening.)
根据文章，小明每天晚上都会练习弹吉他。(According to the passage, Xiaoming practices playing the guitar every evening.)
我的朋友在派对上做什么？
Read this passage:
我的朋友喜欢唱歌和弹吉他。他经常在派对上表演。大家都觉得他很有才华。
我的朋友在派对上做什么？
文章中提到，我的朋友经常在派对上表演，而且他喜欢唱歌和弹吉他。(The passage mentions that my friend often performs at parties, and he likes to sing and play the guitar.)
文章中提到，我的朋友经常在派对上表演，而且他喜欢唱歌和弹吉他。(The passage mentions that my friend often performs at parties, and he likes to sing and play the guitar.)
学习弹吉他需要什么？
Read this passage:
学弹吉他需要时间和耐心。虽然一开始会觉得很难，但是坚持下去就能成功。我正在学习弹吉他。
学习弹吉他需要什么？
文章中明确指出，学弹吉他需要时间和耐心。(The passage clearly states that learning to play the guitar requires time and patience.)
文章中明确指出，学弹吉他需要时间和耐心。(The passage clearly states that learning to play the guitar requires time and patience.)
He is learning to play the guitar.
I like listening to guitar music.
This guitar is very expensive.
Read this aloud:
你喜欢弹吉他吗？
Focus: 吉他 (jí tā)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
他有一把新吉他。
Focus: 新吉他 (xīn jí tā)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
我的朋友会弹吉他。
Focus: 会弹吉他 (huì tán jí tā)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Imagine you're at a friend's house and you see a guitar. Describe what you want to do with it.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我看到你家有一把吉他，我很想弹它。 (I see you have a guitar at your house, I really want to play it.)
You are learning to play a new instrument. Write a short journal entry about your progress, mentioning if it's a guitar.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我最近在学习弹吉他，虽然有点难，但是我每天都在进步。 (I've been learning to play the guitar recently, although it's a bit difficult, I'm making progress every day.)
Your friend asks what kind of music you like to listen to when you relax. Mention if it involves the sound of a guitar.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我喜欢听有吉他声音的音乐，这让我很放松。 (I like listening to music with guitar sounds, it makes me very relaxed.)
小明每天做什么？ (What does Xiao Ming do every day?)
Read this passage:
小明有一把新吉他，他每天都会练习。他希望有一天能和乐队一起演奏。 (Xiao Ming has a new guitar, he practices every day. He hopes to play with a band someday.)
小明每天做什么？ (What does Xiao Ming do every day?)
根据文章，小明每天都会练习吉他。 (According to the passage, Xiao Ming practices guitar every day.)
根据文章，小明每天都会练习吉他。 (According to the passage, Xiao Ming practices guitar every day.)
小红周末通常会去哪里？ (Where does Xiao Hong usually go on weekends?)
Read this passage:
我的朋友小红很喜欢弹吉他。她经常在周末去公园里给人们唱歌和弹吉他。 (My friend Xiao Hong loves playing the guitar. She often goes to the park on weekends to sing and play the guitar for people.)
小红周末通常会去哪里？ (Where does Xiao Hong usually go on weekends?)
文章中提到小红经常在周末去公园里。 (The passage mentions that Xiao Hong often goes to the park on weekends.)
文章中提到小红经常在周末去公园里。 (The passage mentions that Xiao Hong often goes to the park on weekends.)
学习吉他需要什么？ (What does learning guitar require?)
Read this passage:
你觉得学习吉他难吗？很多人都说它很难，但只要你坚持练习，就一定能学会。 (Do you think learning guitar is difficult? Many people say it's hard, but as long as you keep practicing, you will definitely learn it.)
学习吉他需要什么？ (What does learning guitar require?)
文章中明确提到“只要你坚持练习，就一定能学会”。 (The passage clearly states 'as long as you keep practicing, you will definitely learn it'.)
文章中明确提到“只要你坚持练习，就一定能学会”。 (The passage clearly states 'as long as you keep practicing, you will definitely learn it'.)
Listen for how he relaxes every evening.
Listen for what skill is being learned.
Listen for the type and color of guitar she dreams of.
Read this aloud:
你的吉他是什么牌子的？
Focus: 吉他 (jí tā)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
你喜欢听吉他音乐吗？
Focus: 音乐 (yīn yuè)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
他弹吉他弹得很好。
Focus: 弹得 (tán de)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Imagine you are a professional musician. Describe your favorite guitar, including its brand, color, and any special features. Explain why it's your favorite and how it has influenced your music career.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我最喜欢的吉他是一把复古的Fender Stratocaster，颜色是经典的日落色。它的音色温暖而富有穿透力，手感也非常好。这把吉他陪伴我走过了许多重要的演出，见证了我的成长。它的独特音色也塑造了我音乐的风格，让我在舞台上更加自信。
You are writing a review for a new smart guitar. Discuss its innovative features, such as built-in effects or learning tools, and how these could benefit both beginners and experienced players. Conclude with your overall recommendation.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
最近我试用了一款智能吉他，它内置了多种效果器和教学模式，这真是太棒了。对于初学者来说，它可以提供实时的反馈和指导，帮助他们更快地掌握技巧。对于经验丰富的乐手，这些内置效果器省去了携带额外设备的麻烦。总的来说，我强烈推荐这款智能吉他，它将彻底改变我们学习和演奏的方式。
Compose a short story (around 100-150 characters) about a worn-out guitar that holds deep sentimental value for its owner. Focus on the guitar's appearance, the owner's memories associated with it, and why it's irreplaceable.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
这把老吉他琴身斑驳，琴弦生锈，却承载着我所有的青春记忆。它是我父亲留给我的，每一个音符都仿佛能唤醒往日的笑声与泪水。虽然音色已不如从前，但它对我而言，是任何新吉他都无法替代的宝物。
根据短文，下列哪项关于李明的吉他的描述是正确的？
Read this passage:
在一个偏远的小镇上，有一个名叫李明的老人，他一生都与音乐为伴。他的邻居们常常会在傍晚时分，听到他那把旧木吉他传来的悠扬琴声。尽管吉他已经破旧不堪，琴弦也换了无数次，但李明依然坚持用它演奏。这把吉他不仅是他的乐器，更是他生命的一部分，记录了他所有的喜怒哀乐。
根据短文，下列哪项关于李明的吉他的描述是正确的？
短文明确提到“尽管吉他已经破旧不堪，琴弦也换了无数次，但李明依然坚持用它演奏”，因此选项B是正确的。
短文明确提到“尽管吉他已经破旧不堪，琴弦也换了无数次，但李明依然坚持用它演奏”，因此选项B是正确的。
根据短文，智能吉他的主要优势是什么？
Read this passage:
现代音乐产业中，吉他的种类繁多，从古典吉他、民谣吉他到电吉他，每一种都有其独特的音色和演奏技巧。随着科技的发展，智能吉他也应运而生，它们集成了各种数字效果和学习辅助功能，使得吉他学习变得更加便捷和有趣。然而，对于许多传统乐手而言，一把经过岁月沉淀的木吉他所散发出的纯粹魅力，依然是无可替代的。
根据短文，智能吉他的主要优势是什么？
短文指出“智能吉他也应运而生，它们集成了各种数字效果和学习辅助功能”，因此选项C是正确的。
短文指出“智能吉他也应运而生，它们集成了各种数字效果和学习辅助功能”，因此选项C是正确的。
短文主要强调了吉他的什么？
Read this passage:
吉他作为一种普及度极高的乐器，其文化影响力不容小觑。无论是摇滚乐的激情，民谣的清新，还是爵士乐的深沉，吉他都扮演着举足轻重的角色。它不仅仅是一种乐器，更是一种情感的载体，一种文化的符号。许多音乐家通过吉他表达他们的思想和情感，与听众产生共鸣，从而推动了音乐风格的演变与发展。
短文主要强调了吉他的什么？
短文多次提及吉它在摇滚、民谣、爵士乐中的作用，并称其为“情感的载体，文化的符号”，因此选项B准确概括了文章主旨。
短文多次提及吉它在摇滚、民谣、爵士乐中的作用，并称其为“情感的载体，文化的符号”，因此选项B准确概括了文章主旨。
/ 48 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The guitar (吉他) is a widely recognized stringed instrument.
- Popular string instrument
- Used in many music styles
- Has six strings
Hear it correctly
The 'ji' in 吉 is pronounced like the gee in 'geese'. The 'ta' in 他 sounds like the ta in 'target'.
Relate to English
It sounds a bit like 'gee-tar', which can help you remember it's a guitar.
Practice speaking
Say it out loud: '我喜欢弹吉他.' (Wǒ xǐhuān tán jítā. I like to play the guitar.)
Practice listening
Listen to how native speakers say '吉他' in songs or videos. Pay attention to the tones.
Example
他喜欢弹吉他。
