bousouki: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialist / Musical
Quick answer
What does “bousouki” mean?
A long-necked stringed musical instrument of Greek origin, similar to a mandolin, with a pear-shaped body and typically played with a plectrum.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A long-necked stringed musical instrument of Greek origin, similar to a mandolin, with a pear-shaped body and typically played with a plectrum.
The instrument is central to Greek folk music, particularly rebetiko, and has been adopted in other folk traditions. It can refer to both the traditional three-course (trichordo) and modern four-course (tetrachordo) versions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The spelling is consistent.
Connotations
In both varieties, it strongly connotes Greek music and culture.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, appearing mainly in world music, ethnomusicology, or cultural contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “bousouki” in a Sentence
play + [the] + bouzoukilisten to + [the] + bouzoukithe sound of + [a/the] + bouzoukiVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bousouki” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable as an adjective.
American English
- Not applicable as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in the music industry (e.g., 'manufacture of bouzoukis').
Academic
Used in ethnomusicology, cultural studies, or music history papers.
Everyday
Used when discussing music, travel to Greece, or cultural events.
Technical
Used in luthiery (instrument making) and detailed musical performance contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bousouki”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bousouki”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bousouki”
- Misspelling: 'bousouki', 'buzuki', 'bouzouk'.
- Mispronunciation: stressing the first syllable (/ˈbuː.zu.ki/) instead of the second.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is spelled with a 'z': bouzouki. Common misspellings include 'bousouki'.
It is primarily used in Greek folk music, especially the rebetiko and laiko styles, but is also used in some modern folk fusion.
Yes, it is part of the lute family and is similar to the Turkish bağlama/saz, the mandolin, and the oud, though it has its own distinct sound and construction.
No, 'bouzouki' is strictly a noun referring to the musical instrument.
A long-necked stringed musical instrument of Greek origin, similar to a mandolin, with a pear-shaped body and typically played with a plectrum.
Bousouki is usually specialist / musical in register.
Bousouki: in British English it is pronounced /bʊˈzuː.ki/, and in American English it is pronounced /bʊˈzu.ki/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is a concrete noun for an instrument.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'boo' sound from its strings and 'zoo' for its exotic origin, ending with the 'key' you press on its neck.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not commonly metaphorized. Literal instrument.
Practice
Quiz
What is a bouzouki?