交响乐

• Pinyin: jiāo xiǎng yuè
• Hanzi breakdown: 交 = together, mutual; 响 = 口 (mouth) + 向 — to sound; 乐 = music

Meaning

Symphony; symphonic music. A complex orchestral composition typically in multiple movements.

Refers to large-scale orchestral works, typically featuring multiple instruments playing together in harmony. Also used metaphorically to describe complex, harmonious combinations of different elements. Associated with classical music tradition and formal concert settings.

Examples

1. 这位作曲家的交响乐作品融合了东西方音乐元素。 This composer's symphonic works blend Eastern and Western musical elements.
2. 今晚的音乐会将演奏贝多芬第九交响乐。 Tonight's concert will perform Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.
3. 城市的繁忙景象就像一曲宏大的交响乐，各种声音交织在一起。 The bustling city scene is like a grand symphony, with various sounds interweaving together.

Usage Guide

Context: music, culture, arts

Tone: cultured

Do Say

• 我特别喜欢柴可夫斯基的交响乐。(I especially like Tchaikovsky's symphonies.)
• 交响乐团今晚有演出。(The symphony orchestra has a performance tonight.)

Don't Say

• 用'交响乐'描述所有古典音乐 (Don't use 交响乐 for all classical music — it specifically means symphonic works; use 古典音乐 for the broader category)

Origin & History

Composed of 交响 (to resound together; symphony) + 乐 (music). A modern term borrowed from Western musical terminology.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated speakers