Definition
小调 (xiǎo diào) is a noun with two main but distinct meanings. First, it refers to a short, simple folk tune or ditty, often regional in style. Second, in music theory, it indicates the minor key (opposite of 大调, major). Context disambiguates these uses; for example, 江南小调 is a folk tune from Jiangnan, while 小调歌曲 means a song in a minor key.
noun
folk tunedittyminor key (music)
Examples
- 小调，。Zhè shǒu Jiāngnán xiǎo diào xuánlǜ yōuměi, liúchuán hěn guǎng.This Jiangnan folk tune has a beautiful melody and is widely spread.
- 小调，。Zhè shǒu qǔzi shì yòng xiǎo diào xiě de, tīng qǐlai yǒuxiē yōushāng.This piece is written in a minor key and sounds somewhat sad.
- 小调。Tā xǐhuan zài qīngchén hēngchàng yìxiē mínjiān xiǎo diào.She likes to hum some folk tunes in the early morning.
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