Noun
(plural guqin or guqins)
Usage notes
- In the past, the guqin was referred to only as the qin, but it has the prefix gu- to distinguish it from other instruments which are also called qin. It can be referred to as qin after guqin is used in the first instance.
- The organology of the qin fits that of a zither, but in the past, it has been incorrectly referred to as a lute or harp.
- It is sometimes confused with the guzheng (古筝) which is a different stringed instrument.
Origin
From Mandarin 古琴 (gǔqín), made up of 古 ‘ancient’ and 琴 ‘stringed instrument’.
