tocando música
/tokando musika/from spelling rules
The English phrase "playing music" is translated into Spanish as tocando música.
If you wish to emphasize the interpretive aspect of the performance, you may use interpretar música.
What does it mean word for word?
The word tocando is the gerund form of tocar, which literally means "to touch" or "to play" an instrument.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using jugando música. While jugando means "playing" in the context of games or sports, it is incorrect to use it when talking about music. Instead, use tocando.
Did you know?
- Because tocar means both 'to play an instrument' and 'to touch', saying me gusta tocar without a noun can be ambiguous or suggestive.
- The verb tocar is also used to say it is someone's turn to do something, as in me toca, meaning 'it is my turn to play'.
- The word música comes from the Ancient Greek mousikḗ, which refers to the art of the Muses.
Examples in context
- Tom y Mary disfrutan tocando música juntos.Tom and Mary enjoy playing music together.Tatoeba #1619511 by teskmon, translation #1029854 by CK
- Pasamos la tarde tocando música.We spent the afternoon playing music.
- Ella está tocando música en su cuarto.She is playing music in her room.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are talking about their hobbies.
- Javier¿Qué estás haciendo ahora, Lucía?What are you doing now, Lucía?
- LucíaEstoy tocando música con mi nueva guitarra.I am playing music with my new guitar.
- Javier¡Qué bien! Me encanta escucharte.That's great! I love listening to you.
- LucíaGracias, Javier. Es muy divertido.Thank you, Javier. It is very fun.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries música, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
