Meaning
Start playing music.
Cultural Background
The 'Fête de la Musique' (June 21st) is a national event where everyone is encouraged to 'mettre la musique' in the streets. It's a day where the usual noise complaints are ignored. In Quebec, while 'mettre la musique' is standard, you might also hear 'partir la musique' (to start the music), which is a regional variation. In countries like Senegal or Ivory Coast, music is often played very loudly in public transport (car rapides/gbaka). 'Mettre la musique' is a constant part of the commute. Young people often use 'mettre du son' instead of 'la musique'. It sounds more modern and implies a focus on the beat and volume.
The Partitive Article
Use 'mettre DE LA musique' if you just want some background noise, and 'mettre LA musique' if you are referring to a specific playlist or the music for a specific event.
Avoid 'Jouer'
Never say 'jouer la musique' for a CD or Spotify. It's the #1 giveaway that you are translating from English.
Meaning
Start playing music.
The Partitive Article
Use 'mettre DE LA musique' if you just want some background noise, and 'mettre LA musique' if you are referring to a specific playlist or the music for a specific event.
Avoid 'Jouer'
Never say 'jouer la musique' for a CD or Spotify. It's the #1 giveaway that you are translating from English.
Informal Vibe
Use 'Mets du son' at a party to sound like a native speaker. It implies you want it loud and energetic.
Volume Etiquette
In France, always ask 'Ça ne dérange pas si je mets la musique ?' before playing anything in a shared space.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'mettre'.
Nous ________ la musique pour l'anniversaire de Julie.
The subject is 'Nous', so the correct present tense form of 'mettre' is 'mettons'.
Which sentence is correct to ask someone to play music?
Comment dit-on 'Play the music' en français ?
'Mets' is the imperative form of 'mettre', the correct verb for playing recorded music.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation : Vous êtes dans une voiture avec un ami et il y a trop de silence.
In a car, you use 'mettre la musique' to start the audio system.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: Il fait trop calme ici. B: Tu as raison, je ________.
The 'futur proche' (aller + infinitive) is used here to indicate an immediate intention.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Mettre la musique'
Social
- • Parties
- • Dinners
- • Meetings
Personal
- • Cleaning
- • Studying
- • Showering
Travel
- • Car rides
- • Train (with headphones)
- • Walking
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNous ________ la musique pour l'anniversaire de Julie.
The subject is 'Nous', so the correct present tense form of 'mettre' is 'mettons'.
Comment dit-on 'Play the music' en français ?
'Mets' is the imperative form of 'mettre', the correct verb for playing recorded music.
Situation : Vous êtes dans une voiture avec un ami et il y a trop de silence.
In a car, you use 'mettre la musique' to start the audio system.
A: Il fait trop calme ici. B: Tu as raison, je ________.
The 'futur proche' (aller + infinitive) is used here to indicate an immediate intention.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt's understandable but slightly awkward. You 'allume' (turn on) the radio or the speaker, but you 'mets' the music.
'Mettre' is the act of starting it. 'Passer' is often used for DJs or radio hosts who are playing a sequence of songs.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your friends. For very formal events, use 'diffuser'.
You can say 'Remets cette chanson' (Put that song back on).
'Faire' implies creation. Unless you are the composer, use 'mettre'.
No, for a movie you say 'mettre un film'.
Both are correct. 'La' is more specific, 'de la' is more general ('some music').
You can say 'Arrête la musique' or 'Coupe la musique'.
It's a cool way to say 'play some music', usually implying it will be loud.
Yes, 'mettre une chanson' means to play one specific song.
Yes, 'mettre un podcast' is very common.
No, it is silent. 'Mets' sounds exactly like 'met'.
Related Phrases
Monter le son
builds onTo turn up the volume
Baisser le son
builds onTo turn down the volume
Couper la musique
contrastTo stop the music abruptly
Changer de disque
similarTo change the song (or stop talking about the same thing)
Mettre en sourdine
specialized formTo mute or play very quietly
