violonchelo
/bjolonˈt͡ʃelo/
The English phrase 'violoncello' is translated into Spanish as violonchelo.
The word refers to a large string instrument that is played with a bow and held between the knees.
Which one should you use?
While violonchelo is the standard Spanish word used in most contexts, violoncello is also considered a valid musical term. In more casual settings, you may also encounter the shortened form el cello.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word is a masculine noun, so it is preceded by the masculine article el to form el violonchelo.
How do you pronounce it?
/bjolonˈtʃelo/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the bow used to play the violonchelo is called el arco, which is the exact same word used for a bow and arrow in archery.
- In many Spanish-speaking musical circles, the word violonchelo is often treated as a 'proparoxytone' or 'esdrújula' word, meaning the stress naturally falls on the third-to-last syllable.
- The Spanish violonchelo is a linguistic adaptation of the Italian violoncello, changing the 'c' to 'ch' to maintain the specific sound of the instrument's name.
Examples in context
- Me gustaría aprender a tocar el violonchelo.I would like to learn to play the cello.
- Ella es una violoncelista muy talentosa.She is a very talented cellist.
- Voy a una conferencia de los violoncelistas más reconocidos.I'm going to a conference of the most renowned cellists.
- Hoy voy a comprar un cello eléctrico.Today, I'm going to buy an electric cello.
- El violonchelo suena muy profundo.The cello sounds very deep.
- Ella toca el violonchelo en la orquesta.She plays the cello in the orchestra.
- Necesito comprar un arco para mi violonchelo.I need to buy a bow for my cello.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are at a music store.
- AlejandroBusco un violonchelo de buena calidad.I am looking for a high-quality cello.
- LucíaTengo este modelo para ti, Alejandro.I have this model for you, Alejandro.
- Alejandro¿Es este el violonchelo que me recomiendas?Is this the cello you recommend to me?
- LucíaSí, es perfecto para tu nivel.Yes, it is perfect for your level.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry violonchelo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries violonchelo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
