violoncelle
/vjɔ.lɔ̃.sɛl/masculine
The English word cello is violoncelle in French.
The term violoncelle refers to the musical instrument known as the cello.
Meaning: musical instrument (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
When saying someone plays the cello, use the partitive article 'du' (de + le) instead of the English 'the'.
How do you pronounce it?
/vjɔ.lɔ̃.sɛl/. The word has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- In French, the diminutive suffix '-elle' at the end of violoncelle historically implies a 'little big viol,' creating a linguistic paradox.
- If you were to describe the sound of a violoncelle as 'deep' or 'low', you would use the adjective grave, which also means 'serious' in French.
- The English 'cello' is actually a shortened version of the French word violoncelle, which itself was borrowed from the Italian violoncello.
Examples in context
- Tom jouait du violoncelle.Tom played the cello.This sentence shows how to use du violoncelle when describing someone playing the instrument.Tatoeba #7410903 by Julien_PDC, translation #7367757 by CK
- C'est un virtuose du violoncelle.He plays cello exceptionally well.This sentence demonstrates how to refer to someone as a cello virtuoso.Tatoeba #1298952 by sacredceltic, translation #478557 by kblakes
- Quand as-tu acheté ce violoncelle ?When did you buy this cello?This sentence shows how to use violoncelle when asking about the purchase of the instrument.Tatoeba #7060762 by Aiji, translation #3150485 by CK
- J'adore le son du violoncelle. Cet instrument a une richesse musicale exceptionnelle.I love the sound of the cello. This instrument has exceptional musical richness.
- Ce morceau est magnifique ! Les violoncelles y apportent une profondeur incroyable.This piece is magnificent! The cellos bring an incredible depth to it.
- Tu joues de la basse, non ? Je préfère le violoncelle, moi.You play the bass, right? I prefer the cello.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are at a music store.
- EmmaRegarde ce magnifique violoncelle !Look at this magnificent cello!
- GabrielOui, il a un son très profond.Yes, it has a very deep sound.
- EmmaVeux-tu essayer le violoncelle, Gabriel ?Do you want to try the cello, Gabriel?
- GabrielJe préfère demander au vendeur d'abord.I prefer to ask the seller first.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cello” translations and entries violoncelle, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries violoncelle, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
