What is the musical term for playing notes in a detached manner?

The musical term for playing notes in a detached manner is staccato. When musicians perform staccato, they play each note sharply and separately, creating a distinct separation between the notes. This technique contrasts with legato, where notes are played in a smooth and connected manner, with no silence between them.

Staccato is indicated by a dot placed above or below the note in sheet music. This clear direction helps performers understand how to articulate each note, enhancing the expressiveness of the piece. The use of staccato can add a lively or playful character to the music, making it a valuable tool for composers and performers alike. Other terms like sostenuto and marcato describe different styles of playing—sostenuto involves sustaining some notes while possibly detaching others, and marcato denotes a more emphasized or accented style—but these do not specifically refer to a detached manner like staccato does.