violoncello
/vi.o.lonˈt͡ʃɛl.lo/masculine
The English word 'cello' is translated into Italian as violoncello.
The term refers to the musical instrument (noun).
Meaning: musical instrument (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of violoncello is violoncelli.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 5 syllables, with the stress on the 4th syllable. The IPA is /vi.o.lonˈtʃɛl.lo/.
Did you know?
- The word violoncello is actually a diminutive, meaning it literally translates to 'little big viol'.
- Italian luthiers, such as those in Cremona, influenced the global standard for the violoncello design, making the Italian terminology the gold standard for instrument making worldwide.
- The violoncello was once considered too cumbersome for orchestral use and was primarily used as a accompaniment instrument for the 'basso continuo'.
Examples in context
- Tom suonava il violoncello.Tom played the cello.This sentence shows how to express that someone played the violoncello.Tatoeba #7418138 by Guybrush88, translation #7367757 by CK
- Ho un interesse per il violoncello e il pianoforte.I have an interest in cello and piano.This sentence describes having an interest in both the violoncello and the piano.Tatoeba #4880593 by Guybrush88, translation #255005 by CM
- Passo circa tre ore a settimana a fare pratica di violoncello.I spend about three hours a week practicing the cello.This sentence is useful for describing how much time you spend practicing the violoncello.Tatoeba #7706023 by Valdast, translation #7704633 by CK
- Il violoncello è uno degli strumenti più espressivi dell'orchestra.The cello is one of the most expressive instruments in the orchestra.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Matteo are talking about their music lessons.
- SofiaMatteo, suoni ancora il violoncello?Matteo, do you still play the cello?
- MatteoSì, ma non ho molto tempo.Yes, but I don't have much time.
- SofiaIl violoncello è uno strumento bellissimo.The cello is a beautiful instrument.
- MatteoHai ragione, Sofia, lo amo.You are right, Sofia, I love it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cello” translations and entries violoncello, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries violoncello, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
