演奏

• Pinyin: yǎn zòu
• Hanzi breakdown: 演 = 氵 (water) + 寅, meaning to perform; 奏 = 奏, depicting hands presenting something, meaning to play music

Meaning

To perform music; to play an instrument. The act of performing musical pieces.

Specifically for instrumental music (as opposed to 演唱 for singing). Common phrases: 演奏会 (concert), 现场演奏 (live performance), 演奏技巧 (playing technique). The performer is 演奏者 or 演奏家.

Examples

1. 他用钢琴演奏了一首肖邦的夜曲。 He played a Chopin nocturne on the piano.
2. 这支乐队的现场演奏水平非常高。 This band's live performance level is very high.
3. 小提琴演奏需要多年的练习才能达到专业水准。 Violin playing requires many years of practice to reach a professional level.

Usage Guide

Context: music, performance, arts

Tone: artistic

Do Say

• 他演奏得非常精彩。(His performance was wonderful.)
• 请欣赏小提琴独奏演奏。(Please enjoy the violin solo performance.)

Don't Say

• 演奏歌曲 — 唱歌应说'演唱'，演奏专指乐器表演

Origin & History

Compound of 演 (to perform, act) + 奏 (to play music, present to emperor). Together meaning to perform instrumental music.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal