翔
shō
翔 (shō) is the Japanese word for the East Asian reed pipe (sho).
The term refers to a traditional East Asian reed instrument. In this context, it is a noun.
Meaning: East Asian reed pipe (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
shō
Did you know?
- While the instrument is written with the kanji 笙, the kanji 翔 mentioned on the page is a homophone used specifically for names and means 'to soar'.
- Unlike most wind instruments, the shō can play chords. This allows it to create a shimmering 'cluster' of sound that fills the sonic space in traditional ensemble music.
- While the word for the instrument is shō, the kanji 翔 is also a very popular name for boys in modern Japan, meaning 'to soar' or 'fly'.
Examples in context
- 彼は医師の職業に就く (かれはいしのしょくぎょうにつく)He takes on the occupation of a doctor.
Example conversation
Hiroto and Himari are at a traditional music concert.
- 大翔 Hiroto翔の音が聞こえるよ。sho no oto ga kikoeru yo.I can hear the sound of the sho.
- 陽葵 Himari本当に不思議な音色ね。hontou ni fushigi na neiro ne.It really is a mysterious tone.
- 大翔 Hiroto翔は竹で作られているんだ。sho wa take de tsukurarete iru n da.The sho is made of bamboo.
- 陽葵 Himariそうなんだ、大翔くん。sou nan da, Hiroto kun.I see, Hiroto.
