French Conversation · Level 51
75 words
French word
violoncelle
Pronunciation
IPA/vjolɔ̃sɛl/
Meaning
- masculine nouncello
Example
Il joue du violoncelle.
He plays the cello.
More examples
Elle prend des cours de violoncelle depuis un an.
She has been taking cello lessons for a year.
Core concept
A large bowed string instrument held between the knees, with a deep, warm voice.
Common phrases
jouer du violoncelle
play the cello
prendre des cours de violoncelle
take cello lessons
professeur de violoncelle
cello teacher
Similar words
violon: A small bowed string instrument held on the shoulder, with a high, bright sound.
Definition in French
Instrument à cordes frottées, plus grand que le violon, tenu entre les genoux et joué à l'archet, produisant un son grave et chaleureux.
Word origin
French violoncelle is borrowed from Italian violoncello, a diminutive form of violone, the name of a larger bowed string instrument.
Usage tips
- The standard expression is jouer du violoncelle, using the partitive article du after jouer de.
Related words
- violoncellistecellistnoun