楽器(がっき)

Etymology

楽(がく) (music) + 器(き) (instrument, vessel).

Usage

楽器(がっき)を弾(ひ)く is used for stringed and keyboard instruments, 楽器(がっき)を吹(ふ)く for wind instruments, and 楽器(がっき)を叩(たた)く for percussion. The general verb 演奏(えんそう)する (to perform) works for all types.

Common collocations

• 楽器(がっき)を演奏(えんそう)する: to play an instrument
• 楽器(がっき)を習(なら)う: to learn an instrument
• 弦楽器(げんがっき): stringed instrument
• 管楽器(かんがっき): wind instrument
• 打楽器(だがっき): percussion instrument
• 和楽器(わがっき): traditional Japanese instrument