canto
“canto” means “song” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
song, singing
Also: chant
📝 In Action
El canto del pájaro es muy bonito.
A1The bird's song is very beautiful.
Estudió la técnica del canto lírico durante años.
B1She studied the technique of opera singing for years.
I sing
📝 In Action
Yo canto en la ducha todas las mañanas.
A1I sing in the shower every morning.
¿Qué canción canto para mi audición?
A2What song should I sing for my audition?
edge
Also: corner, side
📝 In Action
El libro cayó y golpeó el canto de la mesa.
B1The book fell and hit the edge of the table.
Puso la moneda de canto para hacerla girar.
B2He put the coin on its edge to spin it.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: canto
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'canto' to mean the side or perimeter of an object?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
This word has two different origins! 1. 'Canto' (song/singing) comes directly from the Latin word *cantus*, meaning 'song.' 2. 'Canto' (edge/side) comes from a different root, likely the Latin *canthus* (rim of a wheel), which was influenced by similar words in Italian and Catalan. They sound the same but are totally separate concepts.
First recorded: 13th century (in its singing sense)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'canto' means 'song' or 'I sing'?
Look at the small words around it! If you see 'el canto' or 'un canto' (the masculine article), it is the noun meaning 'song' or 'singing.' If you see 'Yo canto' or if it is part of a complex verb phrase, it is the verb form 'I sing.'
Is 'canto' (song) the same as 'canción'?
They are very similar, but not exactly the same. 'Canción' almost always means a specific, written song with lyrics. 'Canto' often refers to the *act* of singing, the sound itself (like a bird's song), or a traditional/religious chant.