Definition

1. Noun:

   • Melody / Tune: A recognizable sequence of musical notes that forms the main part of a song or piece of music.
   • Air / Strain: A distinctive, often traditional, melodic pattern or style, particularly in folk music or opera.

2. Noun (extended usage):

   • Style / Manner (in singing or performance): Refers to the characteristic way a melody is delivered, including its phrasing, ornamentation, and emotional quality.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Cô ấy hát theo làn điệu dân ca quen thuộc. (She sings following the familiar folk melody.)
  • Bài hát này có một làn điệu rất buồn. (This song has a very sad tune.)
  • Mỗi vùng miền có những làn điệu hát then riêng biệt. (Each region has its own distinct style of singing "then" folk songs.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in the context of traditional Vietnamese music, such as , , or , to describe specific, named melodic patterns.
  • Nghệ sĩ phải thuộc nhiều làn điệu cổ truyền. (The performer must know many traditional airs.)

Variants and Related Words

• Điệu (n): tune, melody, style. Often used similarly but can be broader.

  • Điệu hát này nghe vui tai. (This singing style is pleasant to the ear.)

• Giai điệu (n): melody. A more general and common term for melody in music.

  • Giai điệu chính của bài hát rất dễ nhớ. (The main melody of the song is very memorable.)

Synonyms

• Melody: A sequence of single notes that is musically satisfying.
• Tune: A melody, especially one that is simple and easily remembered.
• Air: A simple tune or melody, often used for traditional songs.

Related Idioms

• Giữ làn điệu: To maintain the traditional melodic style or manner of performance.
  • Nghệ nhân già vẫn cố gắng giữ làn điệu nguyên bản. (The old artisan still tries to maintain the original melodic style.)