Yuè zhāng literally combines yuè (music) and zhāng (chapter or section), meaning a distinct, self-contained section within a larger musical composition—most commonly a movement of a symphony, sonata, or suite. It emphasizes structural division and artistic unity: each yuè zhāng has its own tempo, key, and thematic material, yet contributes to the overall narrative or emotional arc of the work.

The term is formal and classical, used primarily in Western classical music contexts translated into Chinese, as well as in music education and concert programs. It is not used for pop songs, film scores, or improvisational pieces. While zhāng alone can mean 'chapter' in literature, yuè zhāng is a fixed compound that never refers to non-musical divisions—it’s exclusively musical and technical, carrying connotations of craftsmanship, tradition, and compositional intention.