canta
KAHN-tah
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Mi hermano canta muy bien en la ducha.
A1My brother sings very well in the shower.
Usted canta la ópera con mucha pasión.
A2You (formal) sing the opera with great passion.
¡Canta una canción para nosotros!
A1Sing a song for us!
La radio canta música pop todo el día.
B1The radio plays pop music all day (figurative use in some regions).
💡 Grammar Points
Two Jobs for 'Canta'
'Canta' is a common form that has two primary roles: 1) It describes what he, she, or a formal 'you' (usted) does right now (Present tense). 2) It is the informal command form for 'you' (tú): '¡Canta!' means 'Sing!'
Regular AR Verb
Since 'cantar' is a regular '-ar' verb, its conjugation pattern is very predictable. If you know the pattern for 'canta,' you know the pattern for hundreds of other verbs like 'habla' (hablar) and 'mira' (mirar).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Command Forms
Mistake: "Using '¡Canta!' when speaking formally to an elder or boss."
Correction: Use '¡Cante!' (the 'usted' command form) in formal situations. 'Canta' is only for friends, family, or children.
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on the Subject
If you see 'canta,' check the subject. If the subject is 'tú' (implied), it's a command. If the subject is 'él,' 'ella,' or 'usted,' it's a statement about what they are doing.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: canta
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'canta' as a command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'canta' the same as 'está cantando'?
They are very similar! 'Canta' (Present Simple) means 'She sings' or 'She sings regularly.' 'Está cantando' (Present Progressive) means 'She is singing right now.' Both describe an action happening in the present, but the progressive form emphasizes that the action is currently in progress.
If I hear 'canta' in a formal setting, who is the subject?
If you are in a formal setting and someone uses 'canta' in a statement, the subject is almost certainly 'usted' (the formal 'you'), or 'él' (he) or 'ella' (she).