Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cornamusa | /kor.naˈmu.za/ | feminine |
| zampogna | /d͡zamˈpoɲ.ɲa/ /t͡samˈpoɲ.ɲa/ |
feminine |
| pive | /ˈpi.ve/ | feminine |
cornamusa is the general, generic term for a bagpipe. zampogna refers specifically to traditional Italian bagpipes, often used in folk music and religious processions. pive is another term used for the instrument.
What does it mean word for word?
The word cornamusa is a compound of corno (horn) and musa (an archaic term related to musical pipes or reeds).
Which one should you use?
While cornamusa is the general term for the instrument, zampogna specifically refers to traditional Italian bagpipes. The term zampogna is more common when discussing the specific traditional instruments of the Italian countryside, whereas cornamusa is more generic. Additionally, if you are specifically referring to Scottish bagpipes, you should use the formal phrase il piffero scozzese.
Is it said differently in some regions?
zampogna is the standard way to refer to the traditional bagpipes found in Southern Italy and the Apennines. In some northern regions of Italy, such as Lombardy and Piedmont, the term la piva is common.
How does it change in a sentence?
All provided forms of the word are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of cornamusa is /kor.naˈmu.za/. The stress is on the third of four syllables.
When do people say it?
The word zampogna is frequently associated with Christmas traditions and folk music in Italy.
Did you know?
- The word zampogna is a linguistic sibling to the English word 'symphony'. Both originate from the Ancient Greek word sumphōnía, meaning 'agreement of sounds'.
Examples in context
- Lui suona la cornamusa.He plays the bagpipes.This sentence shows how to use the verb to play with cornamusa.Tatoeba #5471050 by Guybrush88, translation #2486548 by Hybrid
- Suona la cornamusa e indossa un kilt.He plays bagpipes and wears a kilt.This sentence uses cornamusa to describe a person playing and wearing a kilt.Tatoeba #4158081 by Guybrush88, translation #2486560 by Hybrid
- Mi puoi insegnare a suonare una cornamusa?Can you teach me how to play the bagpipes?This sentence uses cornamusa to ask about learning the instrument.Tatoeba #819902 by Guybrush88, translation #2229693 by CM
- Mi piace come suona la zampogna.I like how the bagpipes sound.
- La cornamusa è uno strumento tradizionale molto affascinante.The bagpipes are a fascinating traditional instrument.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Giulia are visiting a museum of musical instruments.
- FrancescoGuarda, Giulia! Questa è una cornamusa antica.Look, Giulia! This is an ancient bagpipe.
- GiuliaÈ bellissima, ma sembra difficile da suonare.It's beautiful, but it looks difficult to play.
- FrancescoSì, la cornamusa richiede molto fiato.Yes, the bagpipe requires a lot of breath.
- GiuliaVorrei sentirla suonare dal vivo un giorno.I would like to hear it played live one day.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bagpipes” translations and entries cornamusa, zampogna, pive, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cornamusa, zampogna, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
