チェロ
chero[t͡ɕe̞ɾo̞]
The English word "cello" is translated into Japanese as チェロ (chero). Wiktionary also lists ヴィオロンチェロ (vioronchero).
Meaning: musical instrument (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| チェロ | chero | [t͡ɕe̞ɾo̞] (narrow) |
| ヴィオロンチェロ | vioronchero |
Both terms refer to the musical instrument known as the cello.
Which one should you use?
チェロ is the standard, everyday way to say cello in Japanese. ヴィオロンチェロ is a more formal or technical term, often used in classical music contexts or academic settings.
How do you pronounce it?
chero
Did you know?
- In Japanese pop culture and anime, the チェロ is often used as a visual shorthand to signal that a character is sophisticated, melancholic or wealthy.
- Because Japanese lacks a 'l' sound, the チェロ is pronounced with a sound that falls between an 'l' and an 'r'.
- The word チェロ follows the pattern of many Western musical terms in Japan, which are often shortened versions of longer European names.
Examples in context
- トムがビオラ、メアリーがチェロを弾いてます。Tom plays the viola, and Mary plays the cello.This sentence is useful for seeing how to list different instruments being played with チェロ.Tatoeba #10224863 by small_snow, translation #10198220 by CK
- オルガは8歳のときからチェロを弾いている。Olga has been playing the cello since she was 8 years old.This sentence shows how to describe the duration of time someone has been playing the チェロ.Tatoeba #912160 by thyc244, translation #441807 by Clavain
- このチェロの音はとても綺麗ですね。Kono chero no oto wa totemo kirei desu ne.The sound of this cello is very beautiful, isn't it?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A music store where a man is looking at instruments.
- 結衣 Yui蓮さんはチェロを弾けるんですか？Ren-san wa chero o hikerun desu ka?Ren, can you play the cello?
- 蓮 Renはい、少しだけ弾けます。Hai, sukoshi dake hikemasu.Yes, I can play a little.
- 結衣 Yui素敵な趣味ですね。Suteki na shumi desu ne.That is a lovely hobby.
- 蓮 Renありがとうございます。Arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cello” translations and entries チェロ, ヴィオロンチェロ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
