Japanese word

楽器

Pronunciation

Romajigakki

Meaning

  • nounmusical instrument

Example

私は楽器を習っています。watashi wa gak ki o nara tte i ma su

I am learning a musical instrument.

Illustration for 楽器 (musical instrument)

More examples

週末は家で楽器を弾きます。shū matsu wa ie de gak ki o hi ki ma su

I play a musical instrument at home on weekends.

Core concept

Refers to a tool designed to produce musical sounds as part of performing music.

Common phrases

  • 楽器を習うgak ki o nara u

    learn a musical instrument

  • 楽器を弾くgak ki o hi ku

    play a musical instrument

Definition in Japanese

音を出して音楽を演奏するための道具。oto o da shi te on gaku o en sō su ru ta me no dō gu

Word origin

楽器 (gakki) combines 楽 (gaku, "music") and 器 (ki, "instrument"), forming a Sino-Japanese word for a tool used in music.

Usage tips

  • In everyday English, instrument can mean a tool or device as well as a musical instrument, while 楽器 (gakki) specifically has the musical meaning.

Word lists with this word