吟 specifically means to recite in a slow, drawn-out, musical way — closer to chanting than reading. Classical poets like
李白 (Li Bai) and
杜甫 (Du Fu) were said to
吟诗 while drinking wine, walking in nature, or watching the moon. The image of a scholar
吟诗作画 (reciting poetry and painting) is a classic refined-gentleman trope.
