JLPT N1
三味線
A traditional three-stringed instrument. But it’s also an idiom for misleading someone or “playing dumb.”
Readings
1 Noun
A traditional Japanese instrument
A traditional Japanese three-stringed instrument, similar to a banjo, played with a large plectrum called a bachi.
Example
祖母 は 三味線 を 弾く の が 上手 です 。
My grandmother is good at playing the shamisen.
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2 Noun (used in the idiom 三味線を弾く)
Deception / Playing dumb
An act of saying something misleading or feigning ignorance to hide your true intentions, test someone’s reaction, or gain an advantage.
Usage notes & examples
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