钢琴大约是在1709年由意大利人巴托罗密欧˙克里斯多佛利(Bartolomeo Cristofori)所发明。从键盘乐器发展的历史来说,现代钢琴(Pianoforte简称Piano)的构造,是由钢琴的前身 - 以拨弦发音的大键琴(Harpsichord)与以撞弦发音的小键琴(Clavichord)演进而成的。克里斯多佛利称他的琴为「能发出强弱声响的大键琴」(Gravecembalo col piano e forte)。由这几个字我们得知钢琴早期称谓的来源 - pianoforte。
弹钢琴 play the piano 他们家一个弹钢琴的,一个拉小提琴的,一个唱歌的,反正都是搞音乐的。In their family, one plays the piano, another plays the violin, and the third is a singer; in short, they are all musicians.讲法语和弹钢琴是社交界的两大风雅。Speaking French and playing the piano are social graces.他们会弹钢琴。They can play the piano.她学会了弹钢琴。She’s learned to play the piano.我对弹钢琴开始生疏了。I’m beginning to get out of practice on the piano.她是弹钢琴的料子。She has a talent for playing piano.