How to Say "flute" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “flute” is “flauta” — use 'flauta' when referring to the musical instrument played by blowing across a hole.
flauta
flau-tahˈflauta
Examples
Mi hermana toca la flauta en la banda del colegio.
My sister plays the flute in the school band.
La flauta dulce es un instrumento muy común en las clases de música.
The recorder is a very common instrument in music classes.
El sonido de la flauta travesera es elegante y brillante.
The sound of the Western concert flute is elegant and bright.
Gender of Musical Instruments
Like most words ending in 'a', 'flauta' is feminine. Use 'la' or 'una' with it.
Playing Music vs. Playing Games
In Spanish, use the verb 'tocar' to talk about playing an instrument. Never use 'jugar', which is only for sports and games.
Confusing 'Recorder' and 'Flute'
Mistake: “Using 'el flauta' for a flute.”
Correction: Say 'la flauta'. Also, remember that in Spanish, the word 'flauta' covers both the professional metal flute and the simple plastic recorder children use.
copa
KOH-pahˈko.pa
Examples
Por favor, sírveme agua en esta copa, no en el vaso.
Please serve me water in this stemmed glass, not in the regular tumbler.
Ella rompió una copa de cristal por accidente.
She accidentally broke a crystal glass.
Gender Check
Remember that 'copa' is always feminine, so you must use 'la copa' or 'una copa', even though it ends in 'a'.
Confusing Musical Instruments with Drinkware
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