viola
/ˈbjola/feminine
The Spanish word for the musical instrument viola is viola.
The word refers to the stringed instrument of the violin family. In formal contexts, you may encounter the phrase El instrumento de cuerda frotada llamado viola to specifically identify it as a bowed string instrument.
Meaning: music: stringed instrument of the violin family (noun)
Which one should you use?
While viola refers specifically to the viola, you should use el violín to refer to the violin.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regions, the instrument may be referred to as violín alto or viola de arco.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun viola is feminine and requires the feminine article la (la viola).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbjola/
Did you know?
- While viola describes the instrument, the word viola also refers to a species of flowering plant in the violet family.
- The word viola follows a pattern of Italian influence in Spanish musical terminology, where many names for orchestral instruments were adopted directly from the Italian tradition.
- Spanish speakers distinguish between el violín and la viola not just by name, but by a change in grammatical gender from masculine to feminine.
Examples in context
- Tom toca la viola y Mary toca el violonchelo.Tom plays the viola, and Mary plays the cello.This sentence is useful for distinguishing between the instruments played by Tom and Mary using the word viola.Tatoeba #10199191 by manufrutos, translation #10198220 by CK
- La viola es un instrumento clave en una orquesta.The viola is a key instrument in an orchestra.
- Me gusta tocar el instrumento de cuerda frotada llamado viola.I enjoy playing the musical instrument called the viola.
- El profesor de música siempre insiste en la importancia de practicar la viola regularmente.The music teacher always emphasizes the importance of practicing the viola regularly.
- La viola es un instrumento hermoso.The viola is a beautiful instrument.
- Ella compró una viola nueva para la orquesta.She bought a new viola for the orchestra.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are in a music store.
- Elena¿Es bonita esta viola?Is this viola pretty?
- MateoSí, la viola tiene un sonido excelente.Yes, the viola has an excellent sound.
- ElenaCreo que voy a comprarla.I think I am going to buy it.
- MateoSerá una gran elección para ti.It will be a great choice for you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “viola” translations and entries viola, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries viola, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
