shamisen: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “shamisen” mean?
A traditional Japanese three‑stringed musical instrument, plucked with a large plectrum called a bachi.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A traditional Japanese three‑stringed musical instrument, plucked with a large plectrum called a bachi.
The shamisen is a fretless lute‑like instrument with a square body, often covered in cat or dog skin, and is central to many forms of Japanese music, including folk songs, kabuki and bunraku theatre, and classical genres.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
In both varieties, the word evokes Japanese traditional culture, music, and craftsmanship.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, used mainly in contexts discussing Japanese music, culture, or ethnomusicology.
Grammar
How to Use “shamisen” in a Sentence
[Subject] plays the shamisen.The [music] features a shamisen.She is learning [instrument] the shamisen.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts like cultural tourism, instrument import/export, or music retail.
Academic
Used in ethnomusicology, Asian studies, music history, and cultural anthropology papers.
Everyday
Very rare; might appear in travel stories, documentaries, or cultural festivals.
Technical
Used in musicology, instrument classification, and descriptions of traditional performing arts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shamisen”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “shamisen”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shamisen”
- Misspelling as 'shamishen', 'shamizen', or 'shamison'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to shamisen').
- Confusing it with the Chinese 'sanxian' or the Okinawan 'sanshin'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The standard romanization is 'shamisen'. The alternate spelling 'samisen' is also accepted, but 'shamisen' is more common in English.
The body (dō) is typically a wooden frame covered with skin—traditionally cat or dog skin, though synthetic materials are also used today.
Yes, while deeply traditional, the shamisen is also used in contemporary fusion, rock, and experimental music by artists seeking its unique sound.
The shamisen has only three strings, no frets, is played with a large plectrum (bachi), and has a distinct square body covered in skin, producing a sharper, more percussive tone than a guitar.
A traditional Japanese three‑stringed musical instrument, plucked with a large plectrum called a bachi.
Shamisen is usually formal / technical in register.
Shamisen: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃamɪsɛn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃɑːmɪˌsɛn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in English; the word is a culture‑specific noun.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SHAmisen' – it's a SHAmisen because you SHAmmer the strings with a big plectrum (bachi).
Conceptual Metaphor
The shamisen is often metaphorically described as the 'voice' of traditional Japan, carrying historical narratives and emotional depth.
Practice
Quiz
What is a shamisen?