吹奏

すいそう

playing wind instruments

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"吹奏" (すいそう) specifically refers to the act of playing wind instruments, such as flutes, clarinets, trumpets, and saxophones. It is often used in contexts related to wind ensembles or bands.

Common Contexts

You will frequently see "吹奏" in compound words like "吹奏楽" (すいそうがく), meaning "wind music" or "wind ensemble music." It is common in school club names and concert descriptions.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 吹奏楽 (すいそうがく): wind music or wind ensemble
  • 吹奏楽部 (すいそうがくぶ): wind ensemble club
  • 吹奏楽器 (すいそうがっき): wind instruments

These collocations are useful to describe musical groups, instruments, and performances.

Register and Nuance

"吹奏" is a formal term often used in written language, music education, and concert programs. It is less common in casual conversation where people might simply say "吹く" (ふく, to play a wind instrument) or name the specific instrument.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse "吹奏" with "演奏" (えんそう), which means "performance" in general. Remember, "吹奏" is specific to wind instruments, while "演奏" applies to all musical performances.

Example Sentences

かれはこうこうですいそうがくぶにしょぞくしていた。

He belonged to the wind ensemble club in high school.

すいそうがくのえんそうかいにいって、とてもかんどうした。

I went to a wind orchestra concert and was very moved.

すいそうがっきはいきのつかいかたがじゅうようだ。

Breath control is important for wind instruments.