Translation guide
The guqin is a traditional Chinese seven-stringed zither. In Japanese, it is usually referred to by its Chinese name or described as a type of koto.
guqin
Standard term; may require explanation for general audiences.
Referring to the Chinese seven-stringed zither known as guqin.
The standard Japanese term for the guqin, using the same characters as in Chinese. It is understood by those familiar with Chinese music.
If your listener is unfamiliar with the guqin, you can say 「中国の古い琴です」 (It's an old Chinese koto) or compare it to the Japanese koto while noting the differences.
She is learning to play the guqin.
Literally 'Chinese koto'. This descriptive phrase can be used to clarify the instrument's origin for those unfamiliar with the term '古琴'.
This is a type of Chinese zither.
Literally 'seven-stringed zither'. A more technical term that directly describes the instrument's string count. Less common in everyday conversation.
The seven-stringed zither is a traditional Chinese instrument.