What does the musical dynamic 'piano' signify?

The dynamic marking 'piano' signifies a soft level of sound in music. It instructs the performer to play or sing quietly, creating a gentle atmosphere or mood in the piece being performed. This term originates from the Italian word ‘piano,’ which literally means 'soft.'

In contrast, the other terms such as 'forte' (loud) or 'fortissimo' (very loud) are used to denote much higher sound levels, which would not be accurate in the context of 'piano.' Additionally, the term 'moderate' does not precisely capture the essence of 'piano' since it implies a medium level of sound rather than the softness that 'piano' represents. Thus, understanding that 'piano' specifically calls for softer dynamics helps musicians grasp the emotional context in which this dynamic should be interpreted and executed in their performance.