a cappella
The English phrase 'acapella' is translated into French as a cappella.
The phrase à cappella is used in formal contexts to express the concept of singing without instrumental accompaniment.
Did you know?
- In informal Quebec French, writing a cappella might be misinterpreted by a literal reader as 'she is a cappella', because a is a phonetic way to write elle, which means 'she'.
- The term 'cappella' refers to the 'chapel' in the sense of a small, private religious space rather than a head covering.
- The phrase contains a hidden evolution from the Latin 'habet', which means 'he has', through the very preposition used in the French expression.
Examples in context
- Lors de notre prochain concert, nous interpréterons une chanson à cappella .During our next concert, we will perform a song acapella.
- On a décidé de chanter a capella à la soirée de karaoké.We've decided to sing acapella at the karaoke night.
- La chorale a décidé de présenter une chanson en chantant sans accompagnement.The choir has decided to perform a song by singing without accompaniment.
- Elle chante souvent a cappella.She often sings a cappella.
- Nous avons fait un concert a cappella.We did an a cappella concert.
- Je préfère les morceaux a cappella.I prefer a cappella tracks.
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are practicing for a concert.
- NathanOn peut essayer ce morceau a cappella ?Can we try this piece a cappella?
- ManonOui, Manon est d'accord.Yes, Manon agrees.
- NathanC'est beaucoup plus difficile sans piano.It is much harder without a piano.
- ManonMais le résultat est magnifique !But the result is magnificent!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, a cappella, CC BY-SA 4.0.
