tocar la guitarra
/tokaɾ la ɡitara/from spelling rules
To play the guitar in Spanish is tocar la guitarra.
The phrase tocar la guitarra is used to describe the act of producing music by plucking or strumming the strings of a guitar. If you want to specify that you are playing an electric guitar, you can say tocar la guitarra eléctrica.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb tocar literally means 'to touch', which reflects the physical contact required to play the strings of the instrument.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb tocar is a regular -ar verb. For example, in the first-person singular present tense, it becomes toco as in toco la guitarra (I play the guitar).
How do you pronounce it?
/tokaɾ la ɡitara/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the verb jugar to express playing the guitar. While jugar means 'to play' in English, it is only used for playing games or sports. In Spanish, you must use tocar for musical instruments.
Did you know?
- The word guitarra traveled through several languages before reaching Spanish, moving from Ancient Greek to Aramaic and then through Arabic.
- The verb tocar can also mean 'it is my turn' when used in the phrase me toca.
- While tocar is used to play the guitar, it is also the word used to 'knock' on a door.
Examples in context
- Sabe tocar la guitarra.He is able to play the guitar.This sentence is useful for expressing the ability to use tocar la guitarra.Tatoeba #1131072 by Shishir, translation #289619 by CK
- Ella sabe tocar la guitarra.She knows how to play the guitar.This sentence is useful for expressing the knowledge of how to use tocar la guitarra.Tatoeba #1619560 by Shishir, translation #310712 by CK
- No quiero tocar la guitarra.I don't want to play the guitar.This sentence is useful for expressing a lack of desire to use tocar la guitarra.Tatoeba #13705348 by ecorralest101, translation #13705346 by ddnktr
- Me encanta tocar la guitarra, es mi pasión.I love playing the guitar, it's my passion.
- Quedemos este fin de semana para toquetear la guitarra.Let's meet up this weekend to jam on the guitar.
- Mañana en el concierto, voy a tocar la guitarra eléctrica.Tomorrow at the concert, I will play the electric guitar.
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are talking about their hobbies.
- DanielMe gusta mucho tocar la guitarra.I really like to play the guitar.
- Sofía¡Qué bien! Yo quiero aprender a tocar la guitarra.How great! I want to learn to play the guitar.
- DanielPuedo enseñarte a tocar la guitarra los sábados.I can teach you to play the guitar on Saturdays.
- SofíaGracias, Daniel. Me parece una idea excelente.Thank you, Daniel. I think that is an excellent idea.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries guitarra, la, tocar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
