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This site will be taken down March 31st, 2026.

This was not an easy decision to make. For the last couple years, I have been struggling to find motivation for this site and to keep up with basic maintenance and security updates. With the rise of AI and more sophisticated tools, the usefulness of sites like this is questionable and traffic has nose-dived. I just don't have it in me to keep doing this. Thank you all for 10 years of support!

Zach

弦

絃、 鉉

Reading

Kana: つる
Romaji: tsuru
Kana
Romaji

Definitions

noun
1

bowstring

2

string (of shamisen, guitar, violin, etc.)

3

bail (arched pot handle)

Note: esp. 鉉
4

diagonal levelling wire across the top of a masu

Note: also written as 梁
See also: 枡

Kanji

弦
Readings: ゲン、 つる
Meanings: bowstring, chord, hypotenuse
絃
Readings: ゲン、 いと
Meanings: string, cord, samisen music
鉉
Readings: ケン、 つ.る
Meaning: handle

Example Sentence

管弦楽団(かんげんがくだん)は郷愁(きょうしゅう)に満(み)ちた音楽(おんがく)を演奏(えんそう)し始(はじ)めた。
➥The orchestra struck up nostalgic music.
Full Entry➤

絃

Reading

Kana: げん
Romaji: gen
Kana
Romaji

Definitions

noun
1

string (of a shamisen, etc.)

See also: 弦 (reading げん, entry #2)
2

stringed instrument

Kanji

絃
Readings: ゲン、 いと
Meanings: string, cord, samisen music