五音不全

五音不全

Literally means:

unable to tell the five notes

Actually means:

be a poor singer

五音, the five basic notes in ancient Chinese music, is equivalent to "do, re, mi, sol, la" in Western music.

This phrase figuratively means one is unable to produce or tell different notes. Derogatory.

五音，中国古代乐曲的五个基本音阶。相当于西方音乐的哆、来、咪、索、拉（do，re，mi，sol，la）。

五音不全，比喻不能准确地发出或区分不同的乐音。具有贬义色彩。