samisen
LowTechnical
Definition
Meaning
A Japanese musical instrument with three strings, played with a plectrum, similar to a lute.
Refers to the music, culture, or tradition associated with this instrument, often in contexts of Japanese performing arts.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Derived from Japanese; also commonly spelled 'shamisen'. It is used in traditional genres like kabuki and bunraku.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between British and American English.
Connotations
Associated with Japanese culture, tradition, and ethnomusicology in both regions.
Frequency
Equally rare in everyday speech but recognized in academic and musical contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
play the samisenperform on the samisenVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in ethnomusicology, cultural studies, and musicology.
Everyday
Rarely used, typically in discussions about Japanese culture or music.
Technical
Common in instrument descriptions and musical terminology.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I heard a samisen at the cultural festival.
- The samisen is a popular instrument in Japan.
- Playing the samisen requires precise finger techniques.
- The samisen's construction, often using cat skin, influences its acoustic properties.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Sam I am' playing a sen (string) instrument – samisen.
Conceptual Metaphor
A bridge between tradition and modernity in Japanese arts.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Might be confused with similar-sounding words, but no direct equivalent in Russian; it is a loanword.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'shamisen' (which is an alternative spelling) or confusing with other instruments like 'sitar'.
Practice
Quiz
What is a samisen?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It comes from Japanese, meaning 'three strings'.
In English, it is typically pronounced /ˈsæmɪsɛn/ in both British and American accents.
Yes, it appears in modern Japanese pop and fusion genres, as well as in traditional settings.
They refer to the same instrument; 'shamisen' is an alternative romanization from Japanese.