noun
dragon flute; ryūteki
A medium-pitched transverse flute made of bamboo, wrapped in bark, with seven finger holes. Used in gagaku (Japanese court music). The alternate reading りょうてき is also encountered.
雅楽では、竜笛が旋律の中心を担うことが多い。
In gagaku, the ryūteki often carries the main melody.
彼は竜笛の音色に魅了されて、習い始めた。
He was captivated by the sound of the ryūteki and started learning it.
Traditional kanji spelling using 龍 instead of 竜; also common in gagaku contexts.
The name 竜笛 (dragon flute) is said to come from the instrument's shape or the sound resembling a dragon's cry, but the exact origin is uncertain. It is a traditional Japanese instrument used in gagaku since ancient times.