Note (disambiguation) facts for kids

The word "note" has many different meanings! It can be a quick message you write, a sound in music, a piece of paper money, or even a special comment at the bottom of a page. Let's explore what each of these "notes" means.

What is a Note?

A "note" can mean different things depending on how you use it. It often refers to something short and important. It helps us communicate, create music, handle money, or add extra information to texts.

Notes as Written Messages

When you write a "note," it's usually a short letter or a quick message. People write notes to remind themselves of something. They also write notes to share information with others.

• Example: You might leave a note for your family. This note could say, "I'm at the park!"
• Purpose: These notes are often informal. They are meant to be read quickly. They help people remember things or share simple messages.

Notes in Music

In music, a "note" is a symbol that shows a sound. It tells you how high or low a sound is. This is called its pitch. A musical note also tells you how long the sound should last. This is called its duration.

• Pitch: Think of a piano. Notes on the left are low-pitched. Notes on the right are high-pitched.
• Duration: Some notes are held for a long time. Others are played very quickly. Different shapes of notes show their duration.
• Rhythm: When notes are put together, they create rhythm. Rhythm is the pattern of sounds and silences in music.
• Melody: A series of notes played one after another forms a melody. This is the tune you hum or sing.

Notes as Paper Money

A "note" can also mean a piece of paper money. These are often called banknotes. Governments or central banks print banknotes. They are used to buy goods and services.

• Currency: Banknotes are a form of currency. They have a specific value. For example, a five-dollar note is worth five dollars.
• Security Features: Banknotes have special features. These features make them hard to copy. This helps prevent counterfeiting.
• History: Paper money was first used in China. It made trade easier than carrying heavy coins.

Notes at the Bottom of a Page

Sometimes, you see a "note" at the bottom of a page. This is called a footnote. Footnotes give extra information. They can also tell you where facts came from.

• Purpose: Footnotes help explain things in more detail. They might define a word. They can also give the source of a quote.
• Citations: In school papers, footnotes are often used for citations. A citation tells readers where you got your information. This shows you did your research.
• Placement: Footnotes are usually found at the very bottom of a page. They are linked to a specific part of the main text.