乐器

• Pinyin: yuè qì
• Hanzi breakdown: 乐 = 木 + 丝 (music/joy); 器 = 口×4 + 犬 (vessel/tool)

Meaning

Musical instrument. Any device used to produce musical sounds.

Encompasses all categories: string (弦乐器), wind (管乐器), percussion (打击乐器), and keyboard instruments. Central to music education discussions.

Examples

1. 她从小就开始学习各种乐器，尤其擅长钢琴。 She started learning different musical instruments when she was young, and she’s especially good at the piano.
2. 这家音乐学校拥有超过五十种不同类型的乐器。 This music school has more than fifty different kinds of instruments.
3. 学习乐器需要长期坚持和大量练习。 Learning an instrument requires long-term commitment and lots of practice.

Usage Guide

Context: music, education

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 他会演奏多种乐器，包括小提琴和长笛。(He can play multiple instruments, including violin and flute.)
• 音乐厅里摆放着各式各样珍贵的乐器。(The concert hall is filled with all kinds of precious instruments.)

Don't Say

• 音乐器 — the standard compound is 乐器, not 音乐器

Origin & History

乐 (music) + 器 (instrument/tool)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal