Definition
曲艺 is a broad term for traditional Chinese folk performing arts that are narrative and often comedic, like cross-talk (相声) and story-singing (评弹). It differs from 戏曲 (Chinese opera), which is fully staged with costumes, acting, and elaborate music. 曲 (qǔ) alone means 'tune' or 'melody' and is not a genre term.
noun
a general term for traditional Chinese folk performing arts (e.g., cross-talk, story-singing, clapper talk)
Examples
- 曲艺。Zhè wèi lǎo xiānsheng yíbèizi dōu zài yánjiū Zhōngguó mínjiān qǔ yì.This old gentleman has spent his whole life researching Chinese folk performing arts.
- ？曲艺。Nǐ tīng guò Sūzhōu píngtán ma? Nà shì nánfāng hěn yǒumíng de yì zhǒng qǔ yì.Have you heard Suzhou pingtan? That's a very famous type of folk performing art in the south.
- 曲艺。Xiàngshēng shì qǔ yì lǐ zuì shòu huānyíng de xíngshì zhī yī.Cross-talk is one of the most popular forms of folk performing arts.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.