楽器を演奏する
gakki o ensou suru
To play an instrument in Japanese is 楽器を演奏する (gakki o ensou suru).
The phrase 楽器を演奏する is used to express the act of producing music by using a musical instrument. In casual conversation, Japanese speakers often use the phrase 楽器ができる to mean 'to be able to play an instrument'.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb part, 演奏する, specifically refers to the performance or playing of music.
Which one should you use?
While 楽器を演奏する is a general phrase, other verbs are used for specific types of instruments. The verb 弾く is used specifically for playing stringed instruments or keyboards, whereas 吹く is used specifically for playing wind instruments.
How do you pronounce it?
gakki o ensou suru
Did you know?
- The verb 弾く used for stringed instruments also means 'to flick' or 'to repel'. This reflects the physical action of plucking a string or the way a string snaps back.
- Japanese uses different verbs for 'playing' based on the physical action. You would never use 弾く for a drum, as that requires the verb 叩く, which means 'to hit'.
- The word 楽器 is composed of the characters for 'instrument' and 'art'. This implies that playing an instrument is viewed as a disciplined artistic pursuit.
Examples in context
- 何か楽器を演奏するの？Do you play an instrument?This sentence is useful for asking if someone plays an instrument using 楽器を演奏する.Tatoeba #4211988 by KK_kaku_, translation #3932272 by jm
- 私はピアノを演奏します。I play the piano.
- 彼はギターを弾きます。He plays the guitar.
- 友達とギターを弾くのが好きです。I like playing the guitar with friends.
- 俺はドラムを演奏するよ。I play the drums, you know.
- 彼はバイオリンを習っています。He is learning to play the violin.
- 子供の頃からピアノを弾いています。I have been playing the piano since I was a child.
- 趣味で楽器を演奏する人も多いです。Shumi de gakki o ensou suru hito mo ooi desu.Many people play an instrument as a hobby.
Example conversation
Yui and Ren are talking about their hobbies at school.
- 結衣 Yui蓮くんは、何か楽器を演奏するの？Ren-kun wa, nanika gakki o ensō suru no?Ren, do you play any instruments?
- 蓮 Renうん、ギターを弾いているよ。Un, gitā o hiite iru yo.Yeah, I play the guitar.
- 結衣 Yuiすごいね！いつから始めたの？Sugoi ne! Itsu kara hajimeta no?That's amazing! When did you start?
- 蓮 Ren小学生の時からやってるよ。Shōgakusei no toki kara yatte ru yo.I've been doing it since elementary school.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
