clarinette
/kla.ʁi.nɛt/feminine
The English word clarinet is translated into French as clarinette.
The term refers to the woodwind musical instrument.
Meaning: woodwind musical instrument (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun clarinette is feminine, so it is preceded by the feminine article la to form la clarinette.
How do you pronounce it?
/kla.ʁi.nɛt/
Did you know?
- The French term clarinette is a diminutive form of clarin, which means it literally translates to 'little trumpet'.
- The French language uses the same word bec for a clarinet mouthpiece and a bird's beak, reflecting the physical shape of the part.
- French musical pedagogy often groups the clarinette with the saxophone because both use a single reed, unlike the double reed used for the hautbois.
Examples in context
- La clarinette est un instrument à vent.The clarinet is a wind instrument.This sentence is useful for identifying the clarinet as a wind instrument.Tatoeba #11166828 by lbdx, translation #8985252 by mccarras
- Tom joue encore très rarement de la clarinette.Tom very rarely plays the clarinet anymore.This sentence shows how to describe playing the clarinet.Tatoeba #9979025 by felix63, translation #9977483 by CK
- On m'a demandé de jouer de ma clarinette à une fête de charité.I've been asked to play my clarinet at a charity event.This sentence demonstrates using the word in the context of a charity event.Tatoeba #1140524 by sacredceltic, translation #1140107 by CK
- Je joue de la clarinette.I play the clarinet.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are at a music store.
- NathanEst-ce que tu peux jouer de la clarinette ?Can you play the clarinet?
- LéaOui, j'ai acheté une nouvelle clarinette hier.Yes, I bought a new clarinet yesterday.
- NathanElle est très belle, ta clarinette.Your clarinet is very beautiful.
- LéaMerci, elle sonne vraiment bien.Thank you, it sounds really good.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “clarinet” translations and entries clarinette, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries clarinette, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
