ビオラ

ビオラ is the Japanese name for the viola, a bowed string instrument slightly larger than a violin with a deeper, warmer tone.

STRING FAMILY (high to low):

• バイオリン (violin) — highest pitch
• ビオラ (viola)
• チェロ (cello)
• コントラバス (double bass) — lowest pitch

Common collocations

• ビオラを弾(ひ)く: to play the viola
• ビオラ奏者(そうしゃ): viola player
• ビオラパート: viola section/part

Usage

The same word ビオラ also refers to violas and pansies (flowers). Context makes the meaning clear — the musical instrument is far more common in everyday usage.