Meaning
歌手 refers to a person who sings professionally or as a performer. It combines 歌 (song) and 手 (hand/person skilled at something), literally meaning 'song person' or someone skilled at singing. This term applies to singers across all genres, from pop stars to opera singers.
Usage
This is the standard, neutral term for any type of singer in modern Chinese. It can refer to professional singers, recording artists, or performers. Commonly used in everyday conversation, media, and entertainment contexts. Native speakers often specify the type by adding descriptors like 流行歌手 (pop singer) or 民歌手 (folk singer).
Examples
- 01她是我最喜欢的歌手。.She is my favorite singer.
- 02这位歌手的演唱会门票已经卖光了。.This singer's concert tickets have already sold out.
Characters
Measure words
- 位一位著名歌手
- 个三个歌手
- 名两名歌手
Common collocations
- 流行歌手pop singer
- 著名歌手famous singer
- 摇滚歌手rock singer
- 当歌手to be a singer
Antonyms
Origin
手 in this context functions as a suffix meaning 'person skilled at' or 'practitioner of,' similar to its use in words like 水手 (sailor) or 选手 (athlete). The combination dates to modern Chinese vocabulary development.