gē: 歌 - Song, to Sing

Keywords: gē, 歌, song in Chinese, sing in Chinese, chàng gē, Chinese music, KTV, lyrics in Chinese, Chinese singer, 歌手, 歌曲, pinyin for song

Summary: Learn the essential Chinese word 歌 (gē), which means both “song” and is the key component in the verb “to sing.” This page provides a deep dive into its meaning, cultural significance in China (especially regarding KTV), and practical usage. With over 10 example sentences, a character breakdown, and analysis of common mistakes, you'll master how to talk about music, songs, and singing in Mandarin Chinese.

Pinyin (with tone marks): gē

Part of Speech: Noun / Verb Component

HSK Level: HSK 1 (as part of the word 唱歌 chàng gē)

Concise Definition: A piece of music with words that is sung; the act of singing.

In a Nutshell: 歌 (gē) is the Chinese word for “song.” Think of it as the noun, the thing you listen to. While it can stand alone as a noun, it's most frequently seen combined with the verb 唱 (chàng) to form 唱歌 (chàng gē), the standard way to say “to sing.” Understanding that 歌 (gē) is the *object* (the song) that you *act upon* (sing) is key to using it correctly.

The character 歌 (gē) is a phonetic-semantic compound, meaning one part gives the sound and the other gives the meaning.

哥 (gē): This character means “older brother” and provides the phonetic sound for 歌. Their pronunciation is identical.

欠 (qiàn): This radical depicts a person with their mouth wide open. It signifies actions related to the mouth, such as yawning, breathing, or, in this case, singing.

By combining the sound of 哥 (gē) with the image of an open mouth 欠 (qiàn), the character 歌 (gē) vividly represents the act of singing a song.

In China, singing is far more than just a hobby; it's a cornerstone of social life. The most prominent example is KTV (Karaoke), which is a primary activity for friends, family gatherings, and even business meetings.

Comparison to Western Culture: While karaoke in the West is often a public performance at a bar, KTV in China is typically a private affair. Groups rent a room for several hours, equipped with a large screen, microphones, and an extensive song catalog. It's a space to relax, bond, and build connections in a less formal setting than a dinner table. For businesspeople, a KTV session after a meal is a common way to build 关系 (guānxi), or personal rapport, which is crucial for professional success.

Related Values: This practice reflects the Chinese cultural value of collectivism and 和谐 (héxié), or harmony. Singing together, regardless of skill level, is a shared group experience that strengthens bonds and creates a harmonious atmosphere. It's not about individual performance but about collective enjoyment.

As a Verb Component (“to sing”): The most common verb for “to sing” is the verb-object compound 唱歌 (chàng gē), which literally means “sing a song.” This is the default term you should use when talking about the action of singing.

`唱歌 (chàng gē)` - The most common verb phrase for “to sing.”

`歌曲 (gēqǔ)` - A more formal term for “song” or “melody,” often used in written or broadcast contexts.

`歌手 (gēshǒu)` - A singer or vocalist.

`歌词 (gēcí)` - The lyrics of a song.

`音乐 (yīnyuè)` - Music; the broader category that songs fall into.

`听 (tīng)` - To listen; the verb you use to say you're listening to a song (`听歌 tīng gē`).

`首 (shǒu)` - The primary measure word for songs and poems.

`卡拉OK (kǎlā'ōukèi)` - The full transliteration of “Karaoke,” often referred to as KTV.

`流行歌曲 (liúxíng gēqǔ)` - Pop song.

`国歌 (guógē)` - National anthem.