mettere la musica
/ˈmet.te.re la ˈmu.zi.ka/word by word
To play music in Italian is mettere la musica.
The phrase is used when you want to start a music player or a device so that music can be heard.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb mettere literally means to put, so the phrase mettere la musica literally translates to to put the music.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈmet.te.re la ˈmu.zi.ka/. The stress is on the first of the six syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using giocare la musica. While English speakers use the word 'play' for both games and music, the Italian verb giocare only refers to playing games and cannot be used for music or media devices.
Did you know?
- While mettere la musica describes starting a device, a musician performing a piece would use the verb suonare.
- The word musica is rooted in the Ancient Greek word for the Muses, the goddesses of inspiration in literature, arts and science.
- If you want to 'play' a record or a CD, you might hear mettere un disco, as the physical act of putting the disc in the player is emphasized.
Examples in context
- L'orchestra eseguirà della musica classica stasera.The orchestra will perform classical music tonight.
- Questo dispositivo può riprodurre della musica in alta qualità.This device can reproduce high-quality music.
- Fai sentire della musica per rilassarci un po'.Play some music to help us relax a bit.
- Metti della musica, sto preparando la cena.Put on some music, I'm preparing dinner.
- Fai sentire della musica rockPlay some rock music
- Metti della musica classicaPut on some classical music
- Potresti suonare Canzone del Sole di Lucio Battisti?Could you play Canzone del Sole by Lucio Battisti?
- Metti della musica rilassante, per favorePut on some relaxing music, please
- Puoi mettere la musica, per favore?Can you play the music, please?
- Non mettere la musica troppo alta.Don't play the music too loud.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Sofia are cleaning the living room together.
- AlessandroÈ troppo silenzioso qui, voglio mettere la musica.It's too quiet in here, I want to play some music.
- SofiaOttima idea, Alessandro! Cosa scegli?Great idea, Alessandro! What are you choosing?
- AlessandroMetto la musica jazz per rilassarci.I'll play some jazz music to relax.
- SofiaPerfetto, Sofia ama il jazz.Perfect, Sofia loves jazz.
