譜
musical score; written record
Kanji 1759
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This kanji primarily means “musical score,” and because every element in a musical staff is already a symbol, 譜 is a symbol of other symbols! Learn to talk about reading music and to say, “He played piano by ear.” Catch a startling glimpse of traditional musical notation in Japan. Also see why 譜 appears in terms for “genealogy” and “record of a board game,” as well as in biography titles.
Revision History:
Apr. 26, 2021: p. 10: Changed the yomi of 雅楽 to ががく and added one sentence about the old musical notation.
Apr. 2, 2021: Originally published.
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