arpa
/ˈaɾpa/feminine
The English word "harp" is arpa in Spanish.
arpa is a noun used to refer to the musical instrument. In certain musical contexts, you may see the term arpa llanera used to specify the traditional harp used in llanera music in some regions.
Meaning: musical instrument (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
arpa is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈaɾpa/
Did you know?
- Although arpa is a feminine noun, it uses the masculine article el in the singular form el arpa to avoid a clash of 'a' sounds.
- In Spanish, the term arpa can be used metaphorically in the expression tocar el arpa, which in some contexts can refer to complaining or whining persistently.
- In the Colombian and Venezuelan plains, the arpa llanera is played while standing up rather than sitting. This allows the musician to move more freely during the energetic folk dances of the region.
Examples in context
- Un niño está tocando el arpa.A child is playing harp.This sentence shows how to describe a child playing the arpa.Tatoeba #1001091 by Shishir, translation #381954 by CM
- He decidido aprender a tocar el arpa.I've made up my mind to learn how to play the harp.This sentence is useful for expressing a decision to learn how to play the arpa.Tatoeba #977370 by Shishir, translation #953921 by CK
- El violín, el piano y el arpa son instrumentos musicales.Violin, piano and harp are musical instruments.This sentence provides a list of musical instruments including the arpa.Tatoeba #1319723 by massama, translation #713221 by Cirilo
- Necesitamos un(a) arpista para el concierto de esta noche.We need a harpist for tonight's concert.
- El sonido de la arpa es hipnotizante.The sound of the harp is mesmerizing.
- La arpa llanera es un emblema de la música tradicional en la región.The llanera harp is an emblem of traditional music in the region.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are at a music store.
- Alejandro¿Te gusta el sonido del arpa?Do you like the sound of the harp?
- LucíaSí, me encanta ese instrumento.Yes, I love that instrument.
- AlejandroEsa arpa de madera es muy bonita.That wooden harp is very beautiful.
- LucíaEs verdad, parece muy elegante.It's true, it looks very elegant.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “harp” translations and entries arpa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
