Definition

Verb: * To play (a stringed instrument) by plucking or strumming: This verb specifically describes the action of producing sound from a stringed instrument by using a finger, fingernail, or a plectrum to pull and release the strings. It is the primary action for instruments like the đàn tranh (zither), đàn nguyệt (moon lute), đàn tỳ bà (pear-shaped lute), and guitar.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Cô ấy gảy đàn tranh rất hay. (She plays the đàn tranh very well.)
  • Anh ấy đang học cách gảy đàn guitar. (He is learning how to strum the guitar.)
  • Nghệ sĩ dùng móng tay để gảy đàn. (The musician uses a fingernail to pluck the instrument.)

Advanced Usage

• "gảy đàn tỳ bà": to play the (a specific four-stringed lute).
  • Trong dàn nhạc cung đình, tiếng gảy đàn tỳ bà rất trong trẻo. (In the royal court orchestra, the sound of the plucked đàn tỳ bà is very clear.)
• The word "gảy" alone can imply playing a stringed instrument when the context is clear.
  • Ngón gảy của anh ấy rất điêu luyện. (His plucking technique is very skillful.)

Variants and Related Words

• Đánh đàn (verb): A more general term for "to play an instrument." While "gảy đàn" is specific to plucking, "đánh đàn" can be used for piano (), string instruments, and others. However, for traditional Vietnamese string instruments, "gảy đàn" is the precise and preferred term.
• Búng đàn (verb): To snap or flick a string, often producing a sharper, more percussive sound than "gảy."
• Khảy đàn (verb): Similar to "gảy," meaning to pluck, but can sometimes imply a lighter or more delicate action.

Synonyms

• To pluck (a string): Nhấn và kéo dây đàn.
• To strum (chords on a guitar): Gảy/ quẹt nhanh qua các dây đàn.
• To fingerpick (a guitar): Gảy đàn bằng các ngón tay.

Related Phrases

• Ngón gảy (noun phrase): Plucking technique; the skill of the plucking fingers.
  • Nghệ sĩ đó có ngón gảy điêu luyện. (That artist has masterful plucking technique.)
• Gảy một bản nhạc: To play a piece of music (by plucking).
  • Cô ấy gảy một bản nhạc dân ca. (She played a folk song on the lute.)

verb

1. to twang