歌手

かしゅ

singer

JLPT N3

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word "歌手" (gēshǒu) specifically refers to a person who sings professionally or as a recognized performer. It is a compound of "" meaning "song" and "" meaning "hand" but together they mean "singer."

Common Contexts

You will often hear "歌手" used in contexts related to music, concerts, and entertainment industries. It can describe both famous and amateur singers, but usually implies some level of public recognition or professional status.

Collocations and Patterns

  • "著名歌手" (famous singer): used to emphasize the singer's popularity.
  • "歌手比赛" (singing competition): a common event where singers compete.
  • "成为歌手" (become a singer): used when talking about someone's aspiration or career path.

Usage Notes

"歌手" is a neutral and formal term. It is not used for casual singing or describing someone who sings only as a hobby without public recognition. Avoid confusing it with "歌唱" which is more literary or formal. "歌手" is the most common everyday term for a singer in Mandarin.

Example Sentences

She is a very famous singer.

This singer's voice is very distinctive.

Many young people dream of becoming singers.