jouer de la musique
To play music in French is jouer de la musique.
The phrase is used to describe the act of producing musical sounds using a musical instrument. When you are referring specifically to playing recorded music rather than performing it yourself, you can use the informal expression passer de la musique.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is literally constructed as jouer (to play) + de la (of the) + musique (music).
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between playing music and playing games. While jouer de is used for musical instruments, the construction jouer à is used for games or sports, such as jouer au football. Additionally, passer de la musique is used specifically for playing recorded music, whereas jouer de la musique implies playing an instrument.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly omit the preposition de and say jouer la musique. However, the preposition is required in French when playing an instrument or music.
Did you know?
- If a French speaker says je joue without any one of the prepositions de or à, they are likely referring to gambling rather than music or sports.
- In French, the verb jouer is used for both playing a musical instrument and acting in a play or movie. An actor is described as jouer un rôle meaning to 'play a role'.
- The verb jouer has a playful history that links it to comedy. It descends from the Latin word 'iocari', which meant 'to jest' or 'to joke'.
Examples in context
- J'aime jouer de la musique avec Tom.I like to play music with Tom.This sentence is useful for showing how to use jouer de la musique in a personal context.Tatoeba #5185900 by Mag14, translation #5184867 by CK
- Le pianiste joue de la musique classique.The pianist plays classical music.
- L'orchestre a interprété de la musique traditionnelle.The orchestra played traditional music.
- Ils adorent faire de la musique ensemble.They love making music together.
- Elle veut jouer de la musique le soir.She wants to play music in the evening.
- Il peut jouer de la musique tout l'après-midi.He can play music all afternoon.
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are discussing their hobbies at home.
- HugoTu veux jouer de la musique pour moi ?Do you want to play music for me?
- ManonOui, je vais jouer de la musique.Yes, I am going to play music.
- HugoC'est une excellente idée, Manon.That is an excellent idea, Manon.
- ManonMerci, Hugo.Thank you, Hugo.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, jouer, la, musique, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
