Translation guide
A musical ensemble of three instruments, or a piece of music written for such a group. In Japanese, the term depends on the type of instruments and context.
To refer to a trio of instruments in a general sense, without specifying the type.
General term for a trio performance by three instruments. Often used in classical music contexts.
They performed a piano trio.
Loanword from English/Italian, commonly used for any trio, especially in jazz or popular music.
I went to a jazz trio concert.
To specify the exact instruments in the trio, using standard classical music terminology.
To refer to the musical composition itself, rather than the group.
三重奏 is more formal and typically used in classical music contexts. トリオ is a casual loanword used broadly for any trio, including jazz, rock, or pop groups. For classical ensembles, 三重奏 is preferred, but トリオ is also understood.
I composed a piece for string trio.
A wind trio is often composed of flute, clarinet, and bassoon.
This album includes a beautiful trio.