抒情歌曲
shūqíng gēqǔ
The English word ballad translates to Chinese as 抒情歌曲 (shūqíng gēqǔ).
The phrase 抒情歌曲 is used to describe songs that are characterized by emotional expression and a slower tempo, similar to a Western ballad.
Meaning: slow romantic song (noun)
Which one should you use?
An informal way to say ballad is 慢歌. A more common, colloquial way to refer to a romantic ballad is 情歌.
How do you pronounce it?
shūqíng gēqǔ
Did you know?
- The word 抒情 used in 抒情歌曲 literally means 'to vent' or 'to pour out' one's emotions, suggesting a release of feeling rather than just a slow tempo.
- While 抒情歌曲 describes the style, Chinese speakers often use the phrase 走心 to describe a ballad that is particularly emotionally moving or 'touches the heart'.
- Chinese music listeners often differentiate between 情歌 and 伤感歌曲, where the latter specifically refers to 'sad songs' or ballads about heartbreak.
Examples in context
- 中国有许多美丽的歌谣。China has many beautiful ballads.
- 这首抒情歌深深地打动了我的心。This ballad deeply touched my heart.
- 他喜欢听民谣，尤其是关于爱情的。He likes listening to ballads, especially those about love.
- 月亮代表我的心The Moon Represents My Heart
- 他很喜欢听抒情歌曲。Tā hěn xǐhuān tīng shūqíng gēqǔ.He really likes listening to ballads.
- 这首抒情歌曲非常动听。Zhè shǒu shūqíng gēqǔ fēicháng dòngtīng.This ballad is very beautiful.
- 我正在写一首抒情歌曲。Wǒ zhèngzài xiě yī shǒu shūqíng gēqǔ.I am writing a ballad.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing music in a cafe.
- 志强 Zhiqiang你喜欢哪种类型的音乐？Nǐ xǐhuān nǎ zhǒng lèixíng de yīnyuè?What kind of music do you like?
- 梓涵 Zihan我比较喜欢抒情歌曲。Wǒ bǐjiào xǐhuān shūqíng gēqǔ.I prefer ballads.
- 志强 Zhiqiang我也很喜欢听慢节奏的歌。Wǒ yě hěn xǐhuān tīng màn jiézòu de gē.I also like listening to slow songs.
- 梓涵 Zihan那我们听一首吧。Nà wǒmen tīng yī shǒu ba.Then let's listen to one.
