đàn tam

Người nghệ sĩ gảy đàn tam trên sân khấu.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A traditional Vietnamese stringed musical instrument: The "đàn tam" is a three-stringed lute, plucked with a plectrum, used in various forms of Vietnamese folk and chamber music. It is characterized by its long neck, small rectangular or trapezoidal soundbox, and its bright, sharp tone.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Ông cụ chơi đàn tam rất điêu luyện. (The old man plays the đàn tam very skillfully.)
  • Âm thanh của cây đàn tam nghe rất trong trẻo. (The sound of the đàn tam is very clear and bright.)
  • Đàn tam thường được sử dụng trong dàn nhạc tài tử. (The đàn tam is often used in tài tử ensembles.)

Advanced Usage

• The is a core instrument in several traditional Vietnamese music genres, including (Southern Vietnamese chamber music) and (ceremonial singing). Its tuning and playing technique vary by region and musical context.

Variants and Related Words

• Đàn đoản (n): A historical term sometimes used interchangeably with , referring to a short-necked lute.
• Đàn tứ (n): A related four-stringed Vietnamese lute.
• Đàn nguyệt (n): A two-stringed Vietnamese moon lute, another important instrument in traditional music.

Synonyms

• Three-stringed lute: A direct descriptive translation.
• Vietnamese three-stringed lute: Specifies the cultural origin.

Related Idioms

• While there are no direct idioms using the word "", it is often referenced in poetic contexts about traditional music and cultural heritage, e.g., describing a scene with "" (the melodious sound of the ).