percussione
/per.kusˈsjo.ne/
The Italian word for percussion is percussione.
In a musical context, the term refers to the percussion section.
Meaning: music: section of percussion instruments (noun)
Which one should you use?
When referring to the section of an orchestra, the plural form percussioni is more commonly used than the singular percussione. If you wish to refer specifically to the physical instruments themselves, the standard phrase is strumenti a percussione.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form percussioni is the preferred way to describe the group of percussion instruments found in an orchestra.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable: /per.kusˈsjo.ne/.
Did you know?
- The word percussione is shared with the medical field, where percussione refers to a diagnostic method of tapping on a patient's chest or abdomen to hear the resulting sound.
- The word percussione is closely related to the Italian verb percuotere, which means 'to strike' or 'to hit' in a much more general, non-musical sense.
- In Italy, the traditional tamburello is a key member of the percussioni in folk music, though it is technically a frame drum and not a timpani.
Examples in context
- La percussione è un elemento essenziale nella nostra orchestra.Percussion is an essential element in our orchestra.
- Mi piace suonare strumenti a percussione.I love playing percussion instruments.
- È un bravo percussionista.He is a talented percussionist.
Example conversation
Chiara and Francesco are discussing their music class.
- ChiaraFrancesco, cosa studi a scuola di musica?Francesco, what are you studying at music school?
- FrancescoStudio la percussione da due anni.I have been studying percussion for two years.
- ChiaraÈ molto difficile da imparare?Is it very difficult to learn?
- FrancescoSì, ma è molto divertente.Yes, but it is very fun.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry percussione, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
