弦・絃・鉉|つるtsuru[1]atamadaka (head-high)

Common
Which spelling to use
弦弦 is the most common written form for this meaning. It is the form beginners should normally choose when writing the word.
絃絃 is a less common written form of the same word. You may encounter it, but 弦 is the better choice for beginners.
鉉鉉 is the least common of the three written forms. Beginners should use 弦 rather than 鉉 when writing the word.
Definitions
  1. nounbowstring
  2. nounstring (of shamisen, guitar, violin, etc.)
  3. nounbail (arched pot handle)esp. 鉉
  4. noundiagonal levelling wire across the top of a masualso written as 梁
Synonyms & antonyms
  • Synonym弓弦ゆみづるNeutralMeans a bowstring, same as 「弦(つる)」, but limited strictly to the string of a bow.
  • RelatedストリングNeutralA loanword for cords and strings, or racket strings, as in 「ラケットのストリング」.
  • Related絃げんWrittenWritten/formal prose on'yomi for the strings of a shamisen and similar instruments; leans toward stringed instruments.

Use 「弦(つる)」 for a bowstring, an instrument string, or a pot's bail, as in 「弓の弦を張る」; for the bowstring alone say 「弓弦」, for racket strings 「ストリング」, and for shamisen strings also 「絃」.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese definitions
  1. (ゲン、つる)弓ゆみのつる。
Kanji in this word
English equivalents

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