1.
plectrum, pick, drumstick (for traditional Japanese instruments)
A tool used to strike or pluck the strings of traditional Japanese instruments such as the shamisen, biwa, or taiko. The shape varies by instrument — fan-shaped for shamisen, thin and flat for biwa, and thick wooden sticks for taiko drums.
The shape and material of the 撥 varies greatly depending on the instrument. For 三味線, it is a fan-shaped plectrum made of ivory, wood, or plastic. For 太鼓, it refers to thick wooden drumsticks. Also written as バチ in katakana in casual contexts.
The character 撥 is also used in the linguistic term 撥音 (the moraic nasal ん), though in that case the reading is はつ.
Common collocations
- 三味線の撥: shamisen plectrum
- 太鼓の撥: taiko drumstick
- 撥さばき: plectrum/stick technique
- 撥を持つ: to hold a plectrum/stick
Cultural note
The 撥 is central to the sound and technique of traditional Japanese music. Different schools and genres use different sizes and materials, which significantly affect the tone. The 撥 used in 津軽三味線 is notably larger and heavier than those used in other shamisen styles.