Qupai
/ˈtʃuː.paɪ/noun
A named melodic or rhythmic tune pattern used in traditional Chinese music and opera, especially to structure lyrics.
Did you know?In traditional Chinese theater, naming a qupai identified an inherited tune framework, allowing new words to be fitted to a recognized musical pattern.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Chinese
Chinese
曲
“A song, melody, or musical piece; later also a poetic or dramatic song form.”
Ancient Chinese
Chinese
牌
“A tablet, sign, label, or identifying plaque.”
Medieval Chinese
Chinese
曲牌
“Literally a tune-name or tune-label; the title identifying a prescribed melodic pattern.”
13th–14th Century
Chinese
曲牌
“A standard tune form used in sanqu poetry and related performance traditions.”
20th Century
English usage
qupai
“A scholarly romanization used in English discussions of Chinese opera, song forms, and traditional music.”
Modern English
English
qupai
“A named tune pattern or melodic framework into which lyrics may be set.”