Definitions

(noun) song
(verb) to sing

Etymology

Originally depicted a person carrying an axe while singing. Now a phonosemantic compound. (pictograph of a person opening their mouth) represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "歌" is constructed from the components "哥" and "欠", where "哥" primarily functions as a phonetic element while "欠", representing breath or an open mouth, provides semantic association with vocal production. Historically, the element "哥" itself once carried the sense of song, but the formation of "歌" with the addition of "欠" specifically denoted the act of singing or a vocal composition. Its meaning has centered on sung expression, later extending to encompass lyrical poetry and verses designed for musical performance, reflecting a consistent link to organized vocal sound.

Example Sentences Hide

我喜欢唱这首

Wǒ xǐhuān chàng zhè shǒu gē.

I like to sing this song.

她每天练习唱这首

Tā měitiān liànxí chàng zhè shǒu gē.

She practices singing this song every day.

这首的旋律很优美。

Zhè shǒu gē de xuánlǜ hěn yōuměi.

The melody of this song is very beautiful.

他正在听一首流行曲。

Tā zhèngzài tīng yī shǒu liúxíng gēqǔ.

He is listening to a pop song.

我写了一些词来表达心情。

Wǒ xiěle yīxiē gēcí lái biǎodá xīnqíng.

I wrote some song lyrics to express my feelings.

她的声打动了所有听众。

Tā de gēshēng dǎdòngle suǒyǒu tīngzhòng.

Her singing voice moved all the listeners.

音乐会以一首著名的民结束。

Yīnyuèhuì yǐ yī shǒu zhùmíng de míngē jiéshù.

The concert ended with a famous folk song.

这不仅仅是一首,更是我们共同的回忆。

Zhè bù jǐnjǐn shì yī shǒu gē, gèng shì wǒmen gòngtóng de huíyì.

This is not just a song, but also our shared memory.