チェロを弾きます
chero o hikimasu
To say "I play cello" in Japanese, use チェロを弾きます (chero o hikimasu).
This phrase is used to state that you know how to play the cello or that you perform it as a hobby. The word 私 means "I", チェロ is the word for "cello" and the verb phrase 演奏します means "to play".
What does it mean word for word?
The particle を is an object marker that marks チェロ as the direct object of the verb. The verb 弾きます specifically refers to playing or plucking stringed instruments or keyboards.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form チェロを弾きます is the standard polite way to state this fact to others. For more formal situations, you can use 私はチェロを演奏します. For informal situations, you can use チェロを弾いてるんだ.
How does it change in a sentence?
The dictionary form チェロを弾く is used in casual speech, while the polite form チェロを弾きます is used for more standard, polite communication.
How do you pronounce it?
chero o hikimasu
Did you know?
- If you were playing the cello with great skill, you might use the word 上手 (jouzu), but it is considered polite to respond to this praise with いえいえ (ie ie), which literally means 'no no'.
- The verb 弾く is used for the cello and piano, but you would use a completely different verb, 吹く, for wind instruments like the flute.
- When talking about practicing the cello, a Japanese speaker might use the word 稽古 (keiko), a term historically associated with traditional arts like tea ceremony or kabuki.
Examples in context
- クラシック音楽が好きで、週に5回チェロを弾いています。I love classical music and play the cello five times a week.
- 趣味でチェロを弾きます。Shumi de chero o hikimasu.I play the cello as a hobby.
- 私は家でチェロを弾きます。Watashi wa ie de chero o hikimasu.I play the cello at home.
- 毎日チェロを弾きます。Mainichi chero o hikimasu.I play the cello every day.
Example conversation
Two students are talking about their music hobbies.
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵さんは何か楽器ができますか。Hiyori-san wa nanika gakki ga dekimasu ka.Hiyori, can you play any instruments?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、私はチェロを弾きます。Hai, watashi wa chero o hikimasu.Yes, I play the cello.
- 大翔 Hirotoすごいですね！いつから弾いていますか。Sugoi desu ne! Itsu kara hiite imasu ka.That's amazing! How long have you been playing?
- 陽葵 Himari小学生の時から弾いています。Shōgakusei no toki kara hiite imasu.I've been playing since I was in elementary school.
