弦
Meanings
Specifically the string of a bow (e.g., archery, violin bow).
The bowstring broke, so I put on a new one.
string (of a musical instrument)
Used for strings of shamisen, guitar, violin, etc. Often written 弦 or 絃.
After changing the guitar strings, the sound improved.
Only when written 鉉
Refers to the curved handle of a pot or kettle. The kanji 鉉 is specifically used for this meaning.
Lift the iron kettle by its bail.
diagonal levelling wire (on a masu)
A thin wire stretched diagonally across the top of a masu (枡) to level off rice or other contents. Also written as 梁 in this context.
See also: 升
Level off the rice using the diagonal wire on the masu.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉に弦を張るto string a bow or instrument with a string
I strung the bow with a bowstring.
- 弦を引くto draw or pull a bowstring
He drew the bowstring and shot the arrow.
- 弦が切れるfor a string to snap or break
The guitar string broke.
- 弦を弾くto pluck a string
I tried plucking the violin string.