orquesta
/oɾˈkesta/feminine
The English word orchestra is translated into Spanish as orquesta. Wiktionary also lists orquestra (disused).
Meaning: large group of musicians who play together on various instruments (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| orquesta | /oɾˈkesta/ | feminine |
| orquestra (disused) | feminine |
The term refers to a large group of musicians playing various instruments together. You can use the phrase tocar en una orquesta to say you play in an orchestra, or dirigir una orquesta to say you conduct an orchestra.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the term tuna refers to a group of musicians who play traditional Spanish music.
How does it change in a sentence?
orquesta is a feminine noun. Consequently, it is used with the feminine article la (la orquesta) instead of the masculine article el.
How do you pronounce it?
/oɾˈkesta/
Did you know?
- The Greek root of orquesta originally had nothing to do with music, but referred instead to the space where dancers performed.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, an orquesta can refer to a popular dance band or a party group rather than a formal symphony.
- In Spanish, tuna refers to a specific type of university musical group that is much more festive and informal than a standard orquesta.
Examples in context
- La orquesta tocó bien.The orchestra played well.This sentence uses orquesta to describe how the orchestra performed.Tatoeba #13017628 by Eremon, translation #8829360 by deniko
- ¿Estás en una orquesta?Are you in an orchestra?This sentence uses orquesta to ask if someone is a member of an orchestra.Tatoeba #13017639 by Eremon, translation #11900943 by CK
- La orquesta está tocando.The orchestra is playing.This sentence uses orquesta to describe the orchestra's current action of playing.Tatoeba #1129978 by cueyayotl, translation #1128801 by cntrational
- La orquesta sinfónica tocó una hermosa melodíaThe symphony orchestra played a beautiful melody
- La gran orquesta interpretará la obra maestra del compositorThe grand orchestra will perform the composer's masterpiece
- La orquestina del pueblo tocó canciones tradicionales durante la fiestaThe little orchestra of the town played traditional songs during the festival
- El grupo orquestal tiene un repertorio muy diversoThe orchestral group has a diverse repertoire
- La orquesta filarmónica brindó un concierto de música clásicaThe philharmonic orchestra performed a classical music concert
- 27 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are at a classical music concert.
- AlejandroMe encanta el sonido de esta orquesta.I love the sound of this orchestra.
- SofíaSí, tienen músicos muy talentosos.Yes, they have very talented musicians.
- Alejandro¿Tocas algún instrumento en una orquesta?Do you play any instrument in an orchestra?
- SofíaNo, pero me gusta escucharlos.No, but I like listening to them.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “orchestra” translations and entries orquesta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries orquesta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
