la
/la/masculine
la is the French word for the sixth note of a major scale.
In a musical context, la refers specifically to the sixth note of a major scale.
Meaning: sixth note of a major scale (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/la/
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'A' to name this note, the French la is the standard reference for tuning orchestras. Most musicians tune their instruments to a la of 440 Hz.
- While English uses letters like 'A' or 'B' for notes, the French system uses la as part of a solfège system based on syllables.
- While 'la' is a musical note, it is also the feminine definite article, meaning 'the' in French.
Examples in context
- C'est la vie !C'est la vie!Tatoeba #486231 by sacredceltic, translation #10010709 by shekitten
- Vive la France !Vive la France!Tatoeba #10499855 by pkill, translation #11834097 by shekitten
- Ces boissons sont à la carte.These drinks are a la carte.Tatoeba #12934967 by lbdx, translation #328505 by fcbond
- La France est un pays magnifique.France is a magnificent country.
- Je vous présente la reine d'Angleterre.I introduce you to the Queen of England.
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are practicing music together.
- HugoEst-ce que tu joues le la ?Are you playing the A?
- ManonOui, je joue le la maintenant.Yes, I am playing the A now.
- HugoCe la est un peu trop bas.That A is a bit too low.
- ManonJe vais accorder mon instrument.I am going to tune my instrument.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “la” translations and entries la, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
