tono
/TOH-noh/
tone
Tono refers to sound quality or a musical note.
tono(noun)
tone
?sound quality or musical note
,pitch
?highness or lowness of a sound
note
?musical context
📝 In Action
El piano necesita afinación, el tono está un poco bajo.
A2The piano needs tuning, the tone is a little flat.
Su voz tiene un tono muy grave y resonante.
B1His voice has a very deep and resonant pitch.
El tono de llamada de mi móvil es una melodía clásica.
A2My cell phone ringtone is a classical melody.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Noun Rule
Remember that 'tono' is a masculine noun, so you must use 'el' or 'un' before it, and any describing words (adjectives) must also end in -o (e.g., 'el tono fuerte').
⭐ Usage Tips
Sound and Music
When talking about music, 'tono' often means a full step (major second), while 'semitono' is a half step. It's related to the English word 'tonic' in music theory.
Tono can also describe the attitude or manner of expression.
tono(noun)
tone
?attitude or manner of expression
,manner
?style of speaking
mood
?emotional quality
📝 In Action
No me gusta el tono agresivo con el que me hablaste.
B1I don't like the aggressive tone you spoke to me with.
El artículo tenía un tono muy formal y serio.
B2The article had a very formal and serious tone.
Por favor, baja el tono; estamos en una biblioteca.
B1Please lower your voice/calm your tone; we are in a library.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Tono' for Emotion
Mistake: "Using 'Tono' to mean 'mood' in the emotional sense (e.g., 'Estoy en un mal tono')."
Correction: Use 'estado de ánimo' or 'humor' instead. 'Tono' refers to the *expression* of the mood, not the mood itself.
⭐ Usage Tips
Reading the Room
When talking about social situations, 'tono' is essential. If someone tells you 'Baja el tono,' they are telling you to calm down or stop being aggressive.
When referring to color, tono means the intensity or darkness of a shade.
📝 In Action
Me encantan los tonos azules y verdes oscuros.
B2I love dark blue and green shades.
Ella se tiñó el pelo de un tono rojizo muy natural.
B2She dyed her hair a very natural reddish hue.
El pintor usó tonos cálidos para representar el atardecer.
C1The painter used warm tones to represent the sunset.
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing Skin and Hair
When describing someone's appearance, 'tono de piel' (skin tone) is the most common way to discuss complexion. You can also use 'tono' for makeup or clothing colors.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: tono
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'tono' to describe someone's attitude or manner of speaking?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'tono' used for 'ringtone' in Spanish?
Yes, absolutely! 'Tono de llamada' is the standard way to say 'ringtone' for a cell phone or landline.
How is 'tono' different from 'voz'?
'Voz' means 'voice' (the physical sound produced). 'Tono' describes the *quality* or *attitude* of that voice, or the specific musical pitch it hits. Think of 'voz' as the instrument and 'tono' as the setting or note.