Inklingo

How to Say "beat" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “beat” is “ritmo” — use 'ritmo' when referring to the pulse or flow of music, a general sense of rhythm.

English → Spanish

ritmo

REET-mohˈritmo

nounA1general
Use 'ritmo' when referring to the pulse or flow of music, a general sense of rhythm.
A simple illustration of a drum being played. A drumstick hits the center, and three clear, repeating, wavy blue sound lines move away from the drum, representing the musical rhythm.

Examples

Me encanta el ritmo de la música latina; es muy contagioso.

I love the rhythm of Latin music; it's very contagious.

Perdí el ritmo y no pude seguir bailando.

I lost the beat and couldn't keep dancing.

El baterista mantuvo un ritmo constante durante toda la canción.

The drummer kept a steady rhythm throughout the whole song.

Gender Trap

Even though 'ritmo' ends in -o, it's a masculine noun, so it always uses 'el' (el ritmo) and masculine adjectives.

Confusing Noun and Adjective

Mistake: “Usar 'rítmico' cuando se quiere decir 'ritmo'. (e.g., 'El rítmico es lento.')”

Correction: Use the noun 'ritmo'. The adjective 'rítmico' means 'rhythmic'. (e.g., 'El ritmo es lento.')

ganó

verbA1general
Use 'ganó' (past tense of ganar) when talking about winning a competition or defeating an opponent.

Examples

Mi equipo favorito ganó el partido de fútbol anoche.

My favorite team won the soccer game last night.

latido

lah-TEE-dohlaˈtiðo

nounA1general
Use 'latido' specifically for the beat of a heart or a pulse.
A simple red heart shape with soft radial lines around it to indicate a rhythmic pulse.

Examples

Puedo sentir el latido de mi corazón.

I can feel my heartbeat.

El médico escuchó un latido irregular.

The doctor heard an irregular heartbeat.

Su latido se aceleró cuando vio la sorpresa.

Their heartbeat speeded up when they saw the surprise.

It's a masculine word

Since this word ends in '-o', you'll want to use 'el' or 'un' with it. For example, say 'el latido' (the heartbeat).

Using 'latido' with verbs

You'll most often see 'latido' paired with 'sentir' (to feel) or 'escuchar' (to listen to) when talking about someone's heart.

Heartbeat vs. To Beat

Mistake: “Mi corazón latido fuerte.”

Correction: Mi corazón late fuerte (My heart beats strongly) OR Siento un latido fuerte (I feel a strong heartbeat). Don't confuse the noun 'latido' with the action 'latir'.

compás

nounA2music
Use 'compás' for the beat in music, referring to the measure or time signature.

Examples

Tienes que seguir el compás de la música.

You have to follow the beat of the music.

vencer

ven-SERbenˈθeɾ

verbA2general
Use 'vencer' as a verb meaning to defeat or overcome, often in a more formal or determined context than 'ganar'.
A cheerful runner in bright clothes crossing a red ribbon finish line, raising their arms in a clear gesture of victory and success.

Examples

El equipo logró vencer a su rival en la final.

The team managed to defeat their rival in the final.

Debemos vencer el miedo para alcanzar nuestros sueños.

We must overcome fear to achieve our dreams.

Ella ha vencido muchos obstáculos en su vida.

She has overcome many obstacles in her life.

Spelling Change for Sound

In forms where the 'c' meets an 'a' or 'o' (like 'yo' present, or all present subjunctive forms), the 'c' changes to 'z' (venzo, venza) to keep the 'th' or 's' sound consistent, rather than a hard 'k' sound.

Missing the 'z' change

Mistake: “Using 'venco' instead of 'venzo' for the 'yo' form.”

Correction: Always remember the 'c' changes to 'z' before 'o' and 'a' to maintain the correct pronunciation: 'Yo venzo' (I defeat).

molido

mo-LEE-dohmoˈliðo

adjectiveB1informal
Use 'molido' as an adjective to describe being completely exhausted or worn out after strenuous activity.
A tired hiker sitting on a rock with their head resting in their hands and a backpack on the ground.

Examples

Después de correr el maratón, terminé molido.

After running the marathon, I ended up exhausted.

Estoy molida de tanto trabajar en el jardín.

I'm worn out from working so much in the garden.

Me siento molido; creo que me voy a dormir temprano.

I feel beat; I think I'm going to sleep early.

Using 'Estar' for States

Since being exhausted is a temporary state or feeling, always use 'estar' (to be) with 'molido'.

Wrong Verb 'To Be'

Mistake: “Soy molido.”

Correction: Estoy molido. Use 'estar' because tiredness is a condition, not a permanent personality trait.

Music vs. Winning

Learners often confuse 'ritmo' and 'compás' for musical beats. 'Ritmo' is the general pulse and feel of music, while 'compás' refers more to the specific timing and measure. Also, be careful not to use musical terms when talking about winning a game, where 'ganar' or 'vencer' are appropriate.

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