Giocare vs. Suonare (the difference with English)

The English for the verbs ‘giocare‘ and ‘suonare‘, is ‘to play’. The French for both, is jouer. Nevertheless, giocare and suonare in Italian come with different meanings.

What’s the difference?

Giocare suggests the idea of being involved in a game (un gioco) individually or in a group. It is used when it comes to sports too.

  • I bambini giocano in giardino. (The kids play in the garden)
  • I miei cugini giocano a calcio (My cousins play football)

Suonare means to produce a sound and it is often used with reference to playing instruments.

  • Giorgio suona il violino (Giorgio plays the violin)

Expressions with ‘giocare’

  • giocare a calcio, giocare a pallavolo, giocare a pallacanestro, giocare a nascondino, giocare a palla, giocare con il fuoco (figurative).

Expressions with ‘suonare

  • suonare il violino, il piano, la batteria, la chitarra, il sassofono
  • suonare il campanello

About the Author

Serena Capilli

I’m the creative force behind both this blog and my collection of short stories in simple Italian for language learners, available on Amazon.

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Ciao, I'm Serena!

I’m the creative force behind both this blog and my collection of short stories in simple Italian for language learners, available on Amazon.

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