Spanish word

bocal

Pronunciation

IPA/boˈkal/

Meaning

  • masculine nounmouthpiece

Example

El trompetista cambió el bocal por uno nuevo.

The trumpeter replaced the mouthpiece with a new one.

Illustration for bocal (mouthpiece)

More examples

Necesito un bocal para la trompeta.

I need a mouthpiece for the trumpet.

Core concept

Removable fitted part, varying in shape, that directs air into a wind instrument and influences the sound color.

Similar words

boquilla: Small mouthpiece pressed to the lips that passes breath into a wind instrument to produce sound.
embocadura: Shape and use of the lips and mouth that control airflow and tone on wind instruments.
caña: Thin cane or synthetic reed that vibrates to generate sound in woodwind instruments.

Definition in Spanish

Pieza que se coloca en la embocadura de ciertos instrumentos de viento para recibir y dirigir el aire, influyendo en la producción y el timbre del sonido.

Word origin

Adopted from French bocal and ultimately related to Latin bucca 'cheek, mouth', the Spanish term refers to the small removable part placed at the embocadura of some wind instruments.

Usage tips

  • In instrument specifications and maker information bocal usually names the specific mouthpiece model, whereas ordinary speech favors boquilla.

Word lists with this word