What does it mean word for word?
The phrase je joue du piano literally translates to "I play of the piano". This is because the verb jouer (to play) requires the preposition de when referring to musical instruments.
Which one should you use?
Use jouer du piano when referring to playing a musical instrument. While one might see jouer au piano, this is non-standard for music and would imply playing a game or a match involving a piano.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the expression Jouer au piano can be used instead of Jouer du piano.
How does it change in a sentence?
When the subject changes to "he" or "she", the verb joue maintains the same spelling for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd person singular. However, the article du remains the same for piano.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying je joue le piano. English speakers often make this error by following English word order, but French requires the construction jouer + de + instrument.
Did you know?
- The word piano is a borrowed term from Italian. Interestingly, it is a doublet of the English words 'plain' and 'plan', sharing the same linguistic roots.
- When stating your profession, it is more natural to say Je suis pianiste without an article. Including an article like une changes the phrase from a statement of your career to a general description of yourself.
Examples in context
- Je joue du piano.I play piano.This sentence is useful for expressing that you play the piano.Tatoeba #6945 by sysko, translation #866345 by elaichi
- Je joue du piano tous les jours.I play the piano every day.
- Je pratique le piano depuis cinq ans.I have been practicing the piano for five years.
- Je joue du piano depuis mon enfance.I have been playing the piano since my childhood.
- Je joue du piano depuis l'enfance.I have played the piano since childhood.
- Le soir, je joue du piano pour me détendre.In the evening, I play the piano to relax.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are talking about their hobbies.
- GabrielEst-ce que tu joues d'un instrument, Emma ?Do you play an instrument, Emma?
- EmmaOui, je joue du piano.Yes, I play the piano.
- GabrielC'est super ! Tu joues souvent ?That's great! Do you play often?
- EmmaJe joue tous les soirs après le travail.I play every evening after work.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries du, je, joue, piano, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
