tocar el piano
/tokaɾ el pjano/from spelling rules
To play piano in Spanish is tocar el piano.
The phrase is used to describe the act of producing musical sounds from a piano by pressing its keys.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb tocar literally means 'to touch', which reflects the physical action of touching the keys or strings of an instrument.
Which one should you use?
In Spanish, you must use the verb tocar when referring to playing musical instruments. This is distinct from the verb jugar, which is used for playing games or sports.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often omit the definite article, but in Spanish, you must include el before the instrument. Avoid saying tocar piano. Instead, say tocar el piano.
Did you know?
- While tocar means 'to play' a musical instrument, it is also used in Spanish to say it is someone's turn to do something. For example, me toca a mí means 'it is my turn'.
- The verb tocar shares a linguistic root with the word for a headscarf or wimple, known as a toca.
- The word tocar also describes the act of feeling or handling a fabric to judge its quality.
Examples in context
- No puedo tocar el piano.I can't play piano.This sentence is useful for expressing an inability to play el piano.Tatoeba #5045906 by don_ramon, translation #2997848 by pne
- Ella toca el piano extraordinariamente bien.She plays the piano extraordinarily well.
- Me encanta cómo haces sonar el piano.I love how you make the piano sound.
- Ella quiere tocar el piano en la fiesta.She wants to play the piano at the party.
- Él va a tocar el piano esta noche.He is going to play the piano tonight.
Example conversation
Javier and Maria are talking about their hobbies.
- Javier¿Sabe tocar el piano, María?Do you know how to play the piano, Maria?
- MaríaSí, aprendí hace muchos años.Yes, I learned many years ago.
- JavierMe gustaría escucharte tocar el piano.I would like to hear you play the piano.
- MaríaClaro, vendrás a mi casa mañana.Of course, you will come to my house tomorrow.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries el, piano, tocar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
