tocar la batería
/tokaɾ la bateɾia/from spelling rules
To play drums in Spanish is tocar la batería.
This phrase is used to describe performing music by hitting the drums with sticks or hands. When referring to musical instruments, always use the verb tocar. This is distinct from the verb jugar, which is used for sports or games.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb tocar (to touch or play a musical instrument) and la batería (the drum kit).
Is it said differently in some regions?
The expression Darle a la batería is used predominantly in Spain.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use this in a sentence, you must conjugate the verb tocar. For example, to say 'I play the drums', use toco la batería and for 'you play the drums', use tocas la batería. Related musical terms include baquetas (drumsticks), redoblante (snare drum) and pedal (pedal).
How do you pronounce it?
/tokaɾ la bateɾia/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying jugar la batería. Although 'play' can translate to jugar in English, in Spanish jugar is reserved for games and sports. Use tocar for musical instruments instead.
Did you know?
- The word batería does not only refer to a drum kit but is also the standard word for a 'battery' in an electronic device.
- The verb tocar can mean 'to touch' or 'to play an instrument' but it is also used to say it is someone's 'turn' to do something.
- The word batería is derived from the French word batterie which comes from the Latin battere meaning 'to beat'.
Examples in context
- Hace años que toco la batería y me encanta su sonido.I have been playing the drums for years, and I love their sound.
- Me gusta darle a la batería para relajarme después del trabajo.I enjoy playing the drums to relax after work.
- ¿Sabes tocar la batería? Me gustaría formar un grupo de música.Do you know how to play the drums? I'd like to start a music band.
- A mi hermano le gusta tocar la batería.My brother likes to play the drums.
- ¿Quieres tocar la batería en la banda?Do you want to play the drums in the band?
- Ella puede tocar la batería muy bien.She can play the drums very well.
Example conversation
Javier and María are discussing music at a cafe.
- JavierMaría, ¿tú sabes tocar la batería?María, do you know how to play the drums?
- MaríaNo, pero quiero aprender a tocar la batería.No, but I want to learn how to play the drums.
- JavierEs un instrumento muy divertido.It is a very fun instrument.
- MaríaSí, y a ti te gusta tocar la batería, ¿verdad?Yes, and you like playing the drums, right?
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries batería, la, tocar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
