charango: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-frequency; common in ethnomusicology, world music, and cultural discussions of the Andes.Specialist/technical in musicology; everyday in Andean cultural contexts.
Quick answer
What does “charango” mean?
A small, fretted string instrument of the lute family, originally from the Andean regions of South America, traditionally made with an armadillo shell for the back and wood for the top.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, fretted string instrument of the lute family, originally from the Andean regions of South America, traditionally made with an armadillo shell for the back and wood for the top.
In modern usage, refers to various small, high-pitched instruments with five courses of double strings, central to Andean folk music, regardless of the material used for the body (now often wood).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The word is used identically in both varieties, primarily in academic, musical, or cultural contexts.
Connotations
Evokes Andean culture, folk music, and indigenous heritage equally in both BrE and AmE.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, encountered in similar contexts (world music, anthropology, travel).
Grammar
How to Use “charango” in a Sentence
play + charangotune + charangostrum + charangoaccompany + singer + on + charangoVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “charango” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He began to charango his way through the traditional melody.
- She's been charangoing since she was a child.
American English
- He loves to charango on his porch in the evenings.
- They charangoed for hours during the festival.
adverb
British English
- The piece was played charango-style.
- He improvised charango-quickly.
American English
- She plucked the strings charango-fast.
- They performed charango-traditionally.
adjective
British English
- The charango music filled the hall.
- He has a charango-like instrument from Peru.
American English
- The band's sound was distinctly charango-driven.
- She attended a charango workshop.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in niche commerce related to musical instruments or cultural exports.
Academic
Common in ethnomusicology, anthropology, and Latin American studies papers.
Everyday
Used by musicians, enthusiasts of world music, or in travel contexts in South America.
Technical
Precise term in organology (study of musical instruments) for a specific chordophone classification.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “charango”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “charango”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “charango”
- Mispronouncing the 'ch' as /k/ (it's /tʃ/).
- Confusing it with a ukulele or mandolin.
- Using it as a countable noun incorrectly (e.g., 'a charangos' – it's 'a charango', 'two charangos').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are both small, stringed instruments, but they have different origins, tunings, and cultural contexts. The charango is from the Andes and typically has five double courses of strings.
While primarily a folk instrument, its repertoire has expanded. Adaptations of classical pieces are possible, but its traditional role is in Andean folk music.
For someone familiar with fretted string instruments like the guitar, the basics can be accessible. Mastering its unique techniques and repertoire requires dedicated practice.
It is most popular in the Andean regions of Peru, Bolivia, northern Chile, and Argentina, and is a central instrument in their musical traditions.
A small, fretted string instrument of the lute family, originally from the Andean regions of South America, traditionally made with an armadillo shell for the back and wood for the top.
Charango is usually specialist/technical in musicology; everyday in andean cultural contexts. in register.
Charango: in British English it is pronounced /tʃəˈraŋɡəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /tʃəˈræŋɡoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific; the word is too technical for idiomatic use.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CHArango being played by a RANGO (a colourful character) in the Andes.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not commonly metaphoric. Literally, it is a vehicle for cultural tradition and musical expression.
Practice
Quiz
What is a charango traditionally made from?