Spanish word

mariachi

Pronunciation

IPA/maˈɾjatʃi/

Meaning

  • masculine nounmariachi

Example

Contratamos a un mariachi para la boda.

We hired a mariachi for the wedding.

Illustration for mariachi (mariachi)

More examples

El mariachi se puso el traje y empezó a cantar.

The mariachi put on his suit and began to sing.

Core concept

A Mexican wedding and festival band with trumpets, violins, vihuela, and guitarrón.

Common phrases

  • grupo de mariachi

    mariachi band

  • mariachi tradicional

    traditional mariachi

Similar words

banda: Event band of several instrumentalists that performs at festivals, parades, and ceremonies.
orquesta: Large ensemble of many musicians organized in sections that performs symphonic or staged repertoire.

Definition in Spanish

Conjunto musical tradicional mexicano que interpreta canciones populares (rancheras, corridos) con violines, trompetas, vihuela y guitarrón y suele actuar en bodas y festejos.

Word origin

Likely borrowed from French mariage 'marriage', applied in Spanish to bands that played at weddings and other celebrations.

Usage tips

  • 'Contratar un mariachi' is the usual phrase to hire the group, individual performers are called 'músico de mariachi', and the Spanish plural is 'mariachis'.

Other meanings

  • mariachi bandnoun

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