What does it mean word for word?
The verb 弾きます (hikimasu) specifically means to play a stringed instrument or a keyboard instrument. This distinguishes it from verbs used for percussion or wind instruments. The particle を (o) is used to mark the guitar as the direct object of the action.
Which one should you use?
While ギターを弾きます is the polite form, ギターを弾く is the plain or informal version. The latter is used when speaking with friends or in casual settings. If you are describing an ongoing action happening right now, use the form ギターを弾いています.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ギターを弾きます is a polite way to express this action. In casual speech or when talking to friends, you would use the informal version ギターを弾く.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle を (o) functions to mark ギター as the direct object of the verb.
How do you pronounce it?
gitā o hikimasu
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the word ギター is a loanword from English, but the phrasing avoids saying 'I' (私は) because the subject is usually implied by context.
- While an English speaker might say 'I play the guitar' to mean they possess the skill, a Japanese speaker using ギターを弾きます may sometimes be interpreted as saying they intend to play it in the near future.
- If you play the guitar in a professional capacity, you might use the word 演奏します (ensō shimasu), which refers to a formal 'performance' rather than a hobby.
Examples in context
- 趣味でギターを弾きます。Shumi de gitaa o hikimasu.I play the guitar as a hobby.
- 週末はよくギターを弾きます。Shuumatsu wa yoku gitaa o hikimasu.I often play the guitar on weekends.
- 家でギターを弾きます。Ie de gitaa o hikimasu.I play the guitar at home.
Example conversation
Misaki and Hiroto are talking about their hobbies.
- 大翔 Hiroto美咲さんは何か楽器ができますか？Misaki-san wa nanika gakki ga dekimasu ka?Misaki, can you play any instruments?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、ギターを弾きます。Hai, gitaa o hikimasu.Yes, I play the guitar.
- 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! Since when have you been playing?
- 美咲 Misaki中学生の時から弾いています。Chuugakusei no toki kara hiite imasu.I have been playing since I was in middle school.
