di
Di (interjection) means a nonsense syllable used to fill out a sung melody or hum a rhythm, without a specific meaning. Example: “She scatted "di-di-di-dah" along with the trumpet solo.”
How to use di
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA filler sound singers use to carry a tune, similar to "la" or "da."
Purely informal/musical; it has no dictionary meaning outside singing or scat.
Word forms
Dis plural, dIs plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She scatted "_____-di-di-dah" along with the trumpet solo.
Etymology
Borrowed from Chinese 狄 (Dí).
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “di” mean?
The word “di” means a nonsense syllable used to fill out a sung melody or hum a rhythm, without a specific meaning. In plain terms, a filler sound singers use to carry a tune, similar to "la" or "da.".
How do you pronounce “di”?
“Di” is pronounced dee (/di/ in IPA).
How do you use “di” in a sentence?
Here is “di” used in a sentence: “She scatted "di-di-di-dah" along with the trumpet solo.”
What part of speech is “di”?
“Di” is an interjection.
Is “di” a common word?
“Di” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between 'di' and 'la' when singing?
Both 'di' and 'la' are vocables, nonsense syllables singers use to carry a tune without real words. They are largely interchangeable, and singers pick whichever syllable feels natural for the rhythm or melody.
When would you use 'di' instead of actual lyrics?
You use 'di' and similar syllables when humming a tune, warming up your voice, or filling a melodic line where no words are needed. It lets you hold the pitch and rhythm without committing to specific words.
Is 'di' a real word with a fixed meaning?
No, 'di' is a nonsense syllable used only to fill out a sung melody or hum a rhythm. It carries no dictionary meaning on its own and is never used to convey information.
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