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In Chinese literature, qu (Chinese: 曲), or yuanqu (元曲) consists of sanqu (散曲) and zaju (雜劇). Along with shi and ci, the former comprises Chinese poetry. The latter is a form of Chinese opera.

Qu became popular during the late Southern Song Dynasty, and reached its highest popularity in Yuan Dynasty, therefore it is often called yuanqu (元曲). Both sanqu and ci are lyrics written to fit a particular melody, but sanqu differs from ci in that it is more colloquial, and is allowed to contain chenzi (襯字 "filler words" which are additional words to make a more complete meaning). Sanqu can be further divided into xiaoling (小令) and santao (散套), with the latter comprising of more than one melody.

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