Pronunciation: [ˈɜːhuː] (IPA) 
The word "erhu" is a two-syllable Chinese musical instrument, pronounced as /ɛr.hʊ/. The first syllable is pronounced as "er" with a short "e" sound followed by the "r" sound. The second syllable is pronounced as "hu" with a short "u" sound and the "h" sound at the beginning. The spelling of "erhu" reflects how the word is pronounced and written in pinyin, the official system for transcription of Mandarin Chinese into Latin script.
The erhu, also known as the Chinese violin, is a traditional two-stringed musical instrument originating from China. It consists of a long, slender neck made from bamboo, which is attached to a small resonator covered with python skin. The strings, traditionally made of silk but now commonly made of steel or nylon, run parallel to the neck and are played using a bow made from horsehair.
The erhu is played by placing the strings against the player's mouth and plucking or bowing them while pressing on the strings with the fingertips. The unique sound of the erhu is produced by the vibration of the strings against the python skin resonator, creating a hauntingly beautiful and melodious tone.
Historically, the erhu has been an integral part of Chinese traditional music, demonstrating its versatility in various genres, including folk, classical, and contemporary music. Due to its expressive capabilities and the ability to capture emotions, the erhu has become a symbol of Chinese culture and is often used to evoke feelings of nostalgia and melancholy.
The instrument's distinct sound has also led to its integration into a wide range of musical compositions, including orchestral and ensemble arrangements. Its popularity has spread beyond China and is now embraced by many musicians worldwide who seek to explore and incorporate its unique timbre into their music. The erhu continues to captivate audiences with its rich history, cultural significance, and distinctive musical expression.
The word "erhu" is of Chinese origin. It consists of two Chinese characters: "er" (二) means "two" and "hu" (胡) is a general term that refers to various instruments of foreign origin. Therefore, "erhu" can be translated as "two-stringed foreign instrument" or "two-stringed fiddle". The instrument itself has a long history in China, and its etymology reflects the influence of foreign musical traditions on Chinese music.
