楽器
gakki[ɡa̠k̚ʲkʲi]
The English phrase 'musical instrument' is translated into Japanese as 楽器 (gakki).
楽器 refers to any device, object or machine used to produce musical notes or sounds.
Meaning: a device, object, contrivance or machine used to produce musical notes or sounds (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 楽器 is composed of the kanji 楽 (music) and 器 (instrument/vessel).
How does it change in a sentence?
In Japanese, the verb used to say you 'play' an instrument depends on the type of instrument.
How do you pronounce it?
gakki
Did you know?
- The character 器 in 楽器 is also used in the word 器量 to describe a person's capacity or character. In this context, the human heart or soul is envisioned as a 'vessel' for virtue.
- In traditional Japanese music, some instruments are categorized as 鳴り物, which translates to 'sounding things'. This term often refers to percussion instruments used in festivals.
- Japanese has a specific term 和楽器 for traditional instruments. This distinguishes them from 洋楽器, which are instruments of 'Western' origin.
Examples in context
- 楽器は弾ける？Can you play a musical instrument?This sentence uses 楽器 to ask about a person's ability to play an instrument.Tatoeba #8881092 by bunbuku, translation #6254117 by CK
- 何か楽器を演奏するの？Do you play a musical instrument?This sentence uses 楽器 to ask if someone plays an instrument.Tatoeba #4211988 by KK_kaku_, translation #21260 by CK
- 楽器やってるんだよね？You play a musical instrument, don't you?This sentence uses 楽器 to confirm if someone plays an instrument.Tatoeba #10014457 by bunbuku, translation #69519 by CK
- 私は楽器を演奏するのが好きです。I enjoy playing musical instruments.
- クラシック音楽にはさまざまな楽器類が使われます。A variety of musical instruments are used in classical music.
- あのおもちゃ、楽器っぽいものじゃない？Doesn't that toy look like some kind of musical instrument?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are talking about music at a cafe.
- 蓮 Ren陽葵さんは、何か楽器を演奏できるの？Himari-san wa, nanika gakki o ensou dekiru no?Himari, can you play any musical instrument?
- 陽葵 Himariピアノを少しだけ弾けます。Piano o sukoshi dake hikemasu.I can play the piano a little.
- 蓮 Renすごいね。僕は楽器を触ったこともないよ。Sugoi ne. Boku wa gakki o sawatta koto mo nai yo.That's amazing. I have never even touched a musical instrument.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮さんも、いつか練習してみたら？Ren-san mo, itsuka renshuu shitemitara?Ren, why don't you try practicing one someday?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “musical instrument” translations and entries 楽器, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
