GUQIN

Etymology

Noun

guqin (plural guqin or guqins)

A plucked zither-like stringed instrument (chordophone), traditionally featuring seven unfretted strings, originating in ancient China.

Usage notes

• In the past, the guqin was referred to only as the qin, but it has the prefix gu- to distinguish it from other instruments which are also called qin. It can be referred to as qin after guqin is used in the first instance.

• The organology of the qin fits that of a zither, but in the past, it has been incorrectly referred to as a lute or harp.

• It is sometimes confused with the guzheng (古筝) which is a different stringed instrument.

Source: Wiktionary