Sanshin
/saɴɕiɴ/noun
A traditional Okinawan three-stringed musical instrument with a snakeskin-covered wooden body.
Did you know?The sanshin developed from China’s sanxian and traditionally uses python skin for its resonating body, though modern versions may use synthetic materials to protect endangered wildlife.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Chinese
Chinese
三
“Three; the numeral later represented by Japanese san.”
Medieval Chinese
Chinese
三弦 (sanxian)
“Three-stringed; the name of the Chinese long-necked lute that became the ancestor of the Okinawan instrument.”
14th–16th Century
Ryukyuan/Japanese
三線 (sanshin)
“Three strings; the instrument introduced to the Ryukyu Kingdom through cultural exchange with China.”
Early Modern Period
Okinawan
三線 (sanshin)
“A three-stringed lute with a snakeskin-covered body, central to Okinawan musical tradition.”
Modern English
English
sanshin
“The traditional Okinawan three-stringed instrument.”