Definition

1. Noun:
   • A plucked string instrument: A traditional musical instrument where the sound is produced by plucking or strumming the strings directly with fingers, fingernails, or a plectrum. This term broadly categorizes instruments like the đàn tranh (zither), đàn tỳ bà (pear-shaped lute), or đàn nguyệt (moon lute).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Cô ấy chơi đàn gảy rất điêu luyện. (She plays the plucked string instrument very skillfully.)
  • Đàn tranh là một loại đàn gảy truyền thống của Việt Nam. (The đàn tranh is a type of traditional Vietnamese plucked string instrument.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "đàn gảy" is often used in musicological or descriptive contexts to distinguish this category from bowed string instruments ( like the ) or percussion instruments.

Variants and Related Words

• Đàn tranh (n): a 16- or 17-string zither, plucked with picks.
• Đàn tỳ bà (n): a pear-shaped, four-string lute.
• Đàn nguyệt (n): a two-string moon-shaped lute.
• Đàn kéo (n): a bowed string instrument (contrasting category).

Synonyms

• Plucked instrument: A general term for musical instruments whose sound is initiated by plucking strings.
• String instrument: A broader category including both plucked and bowed instruments.

Related Terms

• Plectrum: A small, flat tool used to pluck or strum the strings of an instrument.