German word

Piano

Pronunciation

IPA/piˈaːno/

Meaning

  • neuter nounpiano

Example

In unserem Haus gibt es zwei Pianos.

There are two pianos in our house.

Illustration for Piano (piano)

More examples

Wir haben ein Piano für das Konzert gemietet.

We rented a piano for the concert.

Core concept

A polished keyboard box whose felt hammers strike strings, with touch controlling the contrast between quiet and loud.

Common phrases

  • am Piano üben

    practice on the piano

  • ein Piano mieten

    rent a piano

  • ein Piano verkaufen

    sell a piano

Similar words

Klavier: A piano commonly played at home or on stage.
Flügel: A large horizontal piano often used for concerts and recordings.
Digitalpiano: A stationary electronic keyboard that recreates piano sound and key feel.
Keyboard: A portable keyboard instrument that produces many electronic sounds.

Definition in German

Ein Tasteninstrument, bei dem Hämmer die Saiten anschlagen und die Lautstärke durch die Anschlagsstärke der Tasten gesteuert wird.

Word origin

German Piano comes from Italian piano, a shortening of pianoforte, the instrument name built from piano 'soft' and forte 'loud'.

Usage tips

  • The German noun is neuter, das Piano, with the regular plural die Pianos; Klavier is the more usual everyday term.

Related words

  • Pianistpianistnoun
  • Pianospielpiano playingnoun

Word lists with this word