piano
/ˈpjano/masculine
The English word 'piano' is piano in Spanish.
The word piano refers to the keyboard musical instrument. In musical contexts, the word can also function as an adverb meaning 'softly'.
Meaning: a keyboard musical instrument (noun)
Which one should you use?
While piano is a masculine noun referring to the instrument, it is also used as a musical term to mean 'softly'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain and parts of Latin America, El Piano de Cola is used to refer specifically to a grand piano.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As a masculine noun, piano is used with the masculine article el, forming el piano.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpjano/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the term piano de cola literally translates to 'piano of tail', referring to the long curved side of a grand piano.
- Spanish uses the verb tocar for playing the piano, which also means 'to touch', reflecting the physical act of pressing the keys.
- The Spanish word piano is a shortened version of pianoforte, which literally means 'soft-loud' in Italian.
Examples in context
- Un piano es caro.A piano is expensive.This sentence shows how to describe the cost of a piano.Tatoeba #576673 by Shishir, translation #34908 by CK
- No toco el piano.I do not play the piano.This sentence demonstrates how to say you do not play the piano.Tatoeba #5045903 by don_ramon, translation #255458 by CK
- Es un piano viejo.It's an old piano.This sentence is useful for describing a piano as old.Tatoeba #431771 by Leono, translation #239839 by CK
- Todos los días, practico el piano durante una hora.Every day, I practice the piano for an hour.
- No puedo esperar para tocar ese hermoso pianito que vimos en la tienda.I can't wait to play that beautiful little piano we saw in the shop.
- Me encantaría aprender a tocar el piano de cola.I would love to learn to play the grand piano.
- 248 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are at a music school.
- Elena¿Dónde está el piano?Where is the piano?
- JavierEl piano está en la sala.The piano is in the room.
- ElenaJavier, ¿tienes un piano?Javier, do you have a piano?
- JavierNo, pero mi hermana tiene uno.No, but my sister has one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “piano” translations and entries piano, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries piano, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
