violín

/bee-oh-LEEN/

violin

A violin, a stringed musical instrument.

violín(noun)

mA1

violin

musical instrument

Also:

fiddle

informal or folk music context

📝 In Action

Ella practica el violín tres horas al día.

She practices the violin three hours a day.

El violín tiene un sonido muy agudo.

The violin has a very high-pitched sound.

Mi abuelo me regaló un violín antiguo.

My grandfather gave me an antique violin.

Word Connections

Common Collocations

tocar el violín – to play the violin
arco de violín – violin bow
clases de violín – violin lessons

Idioms & Expressions

tocar el violín – To be a 'third wheel' (common in some regions like Argentina/Chile), though 'tocar la viola' or 'ser el violinista' is also used for this.

💡 Grammar Points

Plural Form

To make 'violín' plural, add '-es' and drop the accent mark: 'los violines'. This happens because the emphasis stays on the same syllable, and the written accent is no longer needed by the rules.

Playing an Instrument

In Spanish, we always use the verb 'tocar' (to touch/play) for musical instruments. Never use 'jugar', which is only for games and sports.

❌ Common Pitfalls

The Accent Mark

Mistake: "violin"

Correction: violín

⭐ Usage Tips

Gender and Articles

This word is masculine. Always use 'el violín' or 'un violín'.

A person sitting in an orchestra chair holding a violin and a bow.

A violinist playing their part in an ensemble.

violín(noun)

mB2

violinist

referring to the person's position in an ensemble

📝 In Action

Él es el primer violín de la orquesta filarmónica.

He is the first violinist (concertmaster) of the philharmonic orchestra.

Word Connections

Synonyms

violinista (violinist)

Common Collocations

primer violín – first violin / concertmaster

💡 Grammar Points

Person vs. Object

While 'violinista' is the standard word for the person, 'violín' can be used to describe the seat or role they occupy in an orchestra.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: violín

Question 1 of 2

Which verb is used to say 'to play the violin' in Spanish?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

violinista(violinist) - noun

violonchelo(cello) - noun

viola(viola) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'violín' masculine or feminine?

It is masculine: 'el violín' (the violin) and 'un violín' (a violin).

What is the difference between 'violín' and 'violinista'?

'Violín' is the instrument itself, while 'violinista' is the person who plays it. However, in an orchestra, you might call the lead player the 'primer violín'.