jouer une chanson
To play a song in French is to say jouer une chanson.
To perform a piece of music using an instrument or a recording device.
Which one should you use?
While jouer une chanson is used for performing music, passer une chanson is used when referring to playing a song on a radio or a music player (to play/broadcast a song).
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb jouer is used for playing musical instruments or performing music.
Did you know?
- The verb jouer shares a common ancestor with the English word 'joke'. Both derive from the Latin iocārī, which meant to jest or play.
- In French, you cannot 'play' a piece of classical music using chanson, as chanson specifically refers to songs with lyrics. You would instead use morceau for an instrumental piece.
- A person who is skilled at playing songs on an instrument is doué, a word that literally means 'endowed' or 'gifted'.
Examples in context
- Excusez-moi, pourriez-vous jouer une chanson?Excuse me, could you please play a song?
- Bien sûr, quel genre de musique préférez-vous?Of course, what kind of music do you prefer?
- Hé, est-ce que tu peux jouer une chanson que nous aimons tous?Hey, can you play a song that we all love?
- Bien sûr! Quelle chanson préférez-vous?Of course! What song do you prefer?
- Il joue une chanson au piano.He is playing a song on the piano.
- Peux-tu jouer une chanson au piano ?Can you play a song on the piano?
- Il va jouer une chanson à la guitare.He is going to play a song on the guitar.
- Je veux jouer une chanson pour toi.I want to play a song for you.
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are at a party with a speaker.
- NathanEmma, est-ce que tu peux jouer une chanson ?Emma, can you play a song?
- EmmaOui, quel genre de musique veux-tu ?Yes, what kind of music do you want?
- NathanJe préfère quelque chose de calme.I prefer something calm.
- EmmaD'accord, je choisis un morceau relaxant.Okay, I'll choose a relaxing track.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chanson, jouer, une, CC BY-SA 4.0.
