歌手
gēshǒu
The English word "singer" is translated into Chinese as 歌手 (gēshǒu).
歌手 is a general term for a person who sings. You can use it to specify types of singers, such as 流行歌手 for a pop singer or 摇滚歌手 for a rock singer. Note that 辛格 is a different word used as a surname.
Meaning: person who sings (male or generic term) (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 歌手 is composed of 歌 (song) and 手 (hand/person/expert), literally meaning 'song expert' or 'song practitioner'.
Which one should you use?
While 歌手 is a general term for any singer, 歌唱家 is used for more prestigious or classical singers, such as opera singers or vocalists with great skill and experience.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun 歌手 is a count noun. When counting singers, you can use measure words such as 个 (general) or the polite measure word 位.
How do you pronounce it?
gēshǒu
Did you know?
- In Chinese pop culture, the term 顶流歌手 describes a 'top-stream singer'. This refers to an artist with a massive, highly active online fanbase rather than just high record sales.
- In Karaoke culture, which originated in Asia, a person who is a great singer but not a professional is often called a K歌高手. This uses 高手 meaning 'master' or 'expert'.
- The character 手 in 歌手 refers to a 'hand' but functions as a suffix for any professional skill. It is used similarly in 选手 for 'athlete' or 'contestant' and 新手 for a 'beginner'.
Examples in context
- 你不是歌手。You're no singer.This sentence is useful for saying you are not a 歌手.Tatoeba #5780566 by verdastelo9604, translation #2218226 by CK
- 我想當歌手。I want to become a singer.This sentence is useful for expressing the desire to become a 歌手.Tatoeba #6080211 by verdastelo9604, translation #3777831 by CK
- 她是位歌手。She is a singer.This sentence is useful for describing someone as a 歌手.Tatoeba #7781496 by jiangche, translation #2429354 by CH
- 那位歌手的演唱会非常成功。The singer's concert was very successful.
- 这位歌唱家以其独特的嗓音而闻名。This singer is renowned for their unique voice.
- 33 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a music concert.
- 梓涵 Zihan浩然，你喜歡那位歌手嗎？Hàorán, nǐ xǐhuān nà wèi gēshǒu ma?Haoran, do you like that singer?
- 浩然 Haoran我很喜歡他的歌。Wǒ hěn xǐhuān tā de gē.I like his songs very much.
- 梓涵 Zihan下次我們一起去看演唱會吧。Xià cì wǒmen yīqǐ qù kàn yǎnchànghuì ba.Let's go to a concert together next time.
- 浩然 Haoran好啊，沒問題。Hǎo a, méi wèntí.Sure, no problem.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “singer” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
