percussion
feminine
The English phrase "percussion" is percussion in French.
In a musical context, percussion refers to the section of percussion instruments.
Meaning: music: section of percussion instruments (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
While the singular percussion refers to the concept or the section, the plural form les percussions is commonly used to refer to the collection of percussion instruments themselves.
Did you know?
- While English separates 'percussion' from 'striking', the French word percussion can refer to the actual physical act of hitting a cap in a firearm.
- In French, the term percussion can also be used in medical contexts to describe the rhythmic tapping of a finger on a body part to check for fluid.
- While 'percussion' is used in music, a French speaker describing the act of hitting a surface, like a hammer hitting a nail, would more likely use the verb percuter.
Examples in context
- La cymbale est un instrument de percussion.The cymbal is a percussion instrument.Tatoeba #11813877 by calypsow, translation #9921888 by lucasmg123
- Les percussions donnent une chouette touche à la mélodie.Percussion gives a nice touch to the melody.Tatoeba #1137246 by sacredceltic, translation #1137020 by marcelostockle
- Selon son humeur et ses goûts, on peut trouver que le mélange des synthétiseurs bourdonnants aux percussions feutrées nourrit une ambiance langoureuse et somnolente, ou bien qu'il semble simplement ennuyeux et complaisant.The droning synthesizers and muted percussion can feed a languid, dozy mood, or they can just seem self-indulgently boring, depending on the listener's mood and taste.Tatoeba #9185422 by Micsmithel, translation #8973357 by earthsophagus
- Les percussions sont souvent utilisées pour créer un rythme hypnotique dans la musique africaine.Percussion instruments are often used to create a mesmerizing rhythm in African music.
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are discussing their roles in a music rehearsal.
- LucasEst-ce que tu joues de la percussion ?Do you play percussion?
- ManonOui, je m'occupe de la percussion pour le groupe.Yes, I take care of the percussion for the group.
- LucasC'est un rôle très important pour le rythme.It is a very important role for the rhythm.
- ManonC'est vrai, j'adore l'énergie que ça apporte.That's true, I love the energy it brings.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “percussion” translations and entries percussion, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
