instrument
/ɛ̃s.tʁy.mɑ̃/masculine
The English word 'instrument' is translated into French as instrument.
instrument is a masculine noun used to refer to a musical device. While you can use instrument on its own, it is very common to use the full phrase instrument de musique to avoid being confused with scientific or surgical instruments. You can further specify types of instruments using terms like instruments à cordes for string instruments or instruments à cuivres for brass instruments.
Meaning: musical device (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
When you use the verb jouer (to play) to express playing an instrument, you must use the preposition de (which becomes d' before a vowel). For example, you would say jouer d'un instrument.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /ɛ̃s.tʁy.mɑ̃/.
Did you know?
- In French, the term instrument is frequently used as a metaphor for a person who is used by someone else to achieve a goal, similar to the English word 'pawn'.
- In French, the term instrument is frequently used in a legal context to refer to a formal written document, such as a 'notarial instrument'.
- The word instrument entered Middle French from the Latin īnstrūmentum, which originally referred to the tools used for building or preparing a field.
Examples in context
- Je ne joue d'aucun instrument.I don't play any instrument.This sentence is useful for expressing that you do not play any instrument.Tatoeba #4811800 by sicerabibax, translation #5070039 by jhomel
- Sais-tu jouer d'un instrument ?Can you play an instrument?This sentence is useful for asking if someone can play an instrument.Tatoeba #4218382 by sacredceltic, translation #4185125 by User66640
- C'est un instrument polyvalent.It's a multipurpose instrument.This sentence is useful for describing an instrument as multipurpose.Tatoeba #8924972 by lbdx, translation #8819592 by HeyItsMark
- J'adore jouer de différents instruments.I love playing different instruments.
- Je suis passionné par les instruments de musique.I am passionate about musical instruments.
- Il est doué pour jouer de tous les instrus.He is talented at playing all the instruments.
- Je joue du piano.I play the piano.
- Elle sait jouer de la guitare électrique.She knows how to play the electric guitar.
- Le violon est un instrument à cordes.The violin is a string instrument.
- La batterie est un instrument de percussion.The drums are a percussion instrument.
- La flûteThe flute
- Le saxophoneThe saxophone
- Le violoncelleThe cello
- Il pratique son instrument de musique tous les jours.He practices his musical instrument every day.
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are at a music shop.
- EmmaQuel instrument veux-tu acheter ?Which instrument do you want to buy?
- NathanJe cherche un instrument à cordes.I am looking for a string instrument.
- EmmaNathan, regarde cet instrument magnifique !Nathan, look at this magnificent instrument!
- NathanOui, il est superbe.Yes, it is superb.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “instrument” translations and entries instrument, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries instrument, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
