Skip to main content
piano

piano

4.4
In music, softly so notes sound quiet
  • adverb
  • /piˈæn.oʊ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : piano
  • The composer marked this section piano to create a gentle mood.

Examples

  • The violinist performed the passage piano, allowing the melody to sound delicate and soft.

  • The music was played piano to create a calm atmosphere.

  • Please play the opening bars piano before building to a crescendo.

  • Please play the song piano.

  • The composer marked this section piano to create a gentle mood.

  • Please play the opening bars piano before building to a crescendo.

  • The violinist performed the passage piano, allowing the melody to sound delicate and soft.

Synonyms

quiet
vspiano
1.0

Not making much noise

applies specifically to musical low volume not general calmness
softly
vspiano
178 1.0

In a quiet, low voice or at low volume

is the musical mark indicating a moderate low volume
lightly
vspiano
86 1.0

In a gentle way using little force

refers specifically to a low sound level rather than touch
very softly
vspiano
4 2.8

In music, played very quietly so the sound is almost not heard

signals a lower but not the most extreme volume in music
pianissimo
vspiano
  • Specialized
8.1

To play or sing very softly

marks a less extreme level of quietness in music
9.9

Played or sung very softly in music

indicates a softer, more moderate level than that extreme marking

Antonyms

forte
  • Specialized
7.7

Played or sung loudly in music

Compounds

23 1.7

A class where a teacher helps a student learn to play the piano

22 2.3

A person who plays the piano

12 1.3

A person who gives piano lessons to students

8 3.0

A large piano shaped like a wing with a rich sound

3 1.8

Music played on a piano

player piano
  • Archaic
3 6.7

A piano that plays by itself using a paper roll

piano wire
  • Specialized
3 5.6

A thin strong steel wire used for piano strings and to make springs

A piano with vertical strings that takes less space than a grand piano

A small piano with a curved lid like a large piano that fits in a home

1 4.9

A piece of music for one piano, usually in several parts with different speeds and moods

1 2.9

A person who adjusts a piano so it plays the correct notes

1 2.8

A small seat for someone who plays the piano that can be raised or lowered

The row of black and white keys you press to play a piano

concert piano
  • Specialized
1 3.8

A large grand piano used in concerts

1 3.0

A person or company that makes pianos

1 1.2

Written notes for the piano

forte-piano
  • Specialized
9.9

An early piano from the 18th and early 19th centuries with a lighter, more delicate sound

6.2

A piano that plays by itself using a paper roll with holes to move the keys

5.1

A small piano for home use that has a rich sound

A musical instrument with a piano-style keyboard for the right hand and buttons for the left hand

piano action
  • Specialized
5.8

The levers and parts inside a piano that make hammers hit strings when you press a key

piano damper
  • Specialized
6.5

A small soft pad that rests on a piano string to stop it from vibrating

A group of four musicians, piano, violin, viola and cello, or a piece written for them

piano reduction
  • Specialized
7.5

A version of music for many instruments arranged for piano that keeps the main tune

piano transcription
  • Specialized
5.3

Music written for piano that comes from a piece for other instruments like an orchestra

How Loud

fortissimo
  • Specialized
8.3
forte
  • Specialized
7.7
piano
  • Specialized
4.4
pianissimo
  • Specialized
1 7.5

Surface Forms

piano positive

Etymology

As an adverb, piano is the same Italian word for 'soft', so when a score says piano it asks musicians to play softly. That is why piano as an instruction means to perform in a quiet way.