Definition
颤音 is a technical term from music and phonetics. In music it refers to a trill (rapid alternation between two adjacent notes) or a vibrato effect (pitch oscillation). In phonetics it describes a trilled consonant (like the rolled 'r' in Spanish or Italian). In everyday speech it can also mean a quavering or trembling voice caused by emotion (nervousness, sadness, excitement).
n.
(music) trillvibrato(phonetics) trilled consonantquavering or trembling voice (from emotion)
Examples
- 颤音。Zhè shǒu gē de chàn yīn bùfen hěn nán chàng.The trill part of this song is very hard to sing.
- 颤音，。Tā shuōhuà shí shēngyīn dài zhe chàn yīn, hǎoxiàng hěn jīdòng.His voice had a quaver when he spoke, as if he was very excited.
- r颤音。Xībānyá yǔ zhōng de r shì chàn yīn yīn.The 'r' in Spanish is a trilled sound.
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