canto

KAN-toh

nounmA1

song?a piece of music,singing?the act of making music with the voice

Also:chant?religious or rhythmic singing

📝 In Action

El canto del pájaro es muy bonito.

The bird's song is very beautiful.

Estudió la técnica del canto lírico durante años.

She studied the technique of opera singing for years.

Word Connections

Synonyms

canción (song (usually referring to a written piece))
melodía (melody)

Common Collocations

canto gregoriano – Gregorian chant
canto fúnebre – dirge/funeral song

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Rule

Even though this word ends in '-o', remember that the related word for 'song' (canción) is feminine, but 'canto' (the act of singing or a specific chant) is masculine.

⭐ Usage Tips

Song vs. Singing

Use 'canción' when talking about a specific, composed pop or folk song, but use 'canto' when referring to the general activity of singing or a non-lyrical sound (like a bird's song).

✏️ 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

cantar(to sing) - verb

cantante(singer) - noun

canción(song) - noun

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.