乐曲

• Pinyin: yuè qǔ
• Hanzi breakdown: 乐 = pictograph of a musical instrument; 曲 = pictograph showing a crooked line, meaning tune

Meaning

Musical composition; piece of music. A complete musical work.

A formal term for music pieces. Common phrases: 古典乐曲 (classical music piece), 钢琴乐曲 (piano composition), 演奏乐曲 (perform a musical piece), 创作乐曲 (compose music). More formal than 歌曲 (song) and refers specifically to instrumental music.

Examples

1. 这首乐曲是贝多芬在晚年创作的，充满了深沉的情感。 This piece was composed by Beethoven in his later years, full of deep emotion.
2. 音乐会上，乐团演奏了几首著名的古典乐曲。 At the concert, the orchestra performed several famous classical pieces.
3. 他正在为新电影谱写背景乐曲。 He is composing the background music for a new film.

Usage Guide

Context: classical music, performances, music education

Tone: artistic

Do Say

• 这首乐曲很动听。(This piece of music is beautiful.)
• 请演奏下一首乐曲。(Please perform the next piece.)

Don't Say

• 我听了一首流行乐曲 — 流行音乐一般叫'流行歌曲'或'流行音乐'，乐曲偏向器乐曲

Origin & History

Compound of 乐 (music) + 曲 (tune, composition). Together meaning a piece of music or musical composition.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal