Inklingo

How to Say "sing" in Spanish

English → Spanish

canta

KAHN-tah/ˈkan.ta/

VerbA1Informal/Neutral
Use 'canta' when stating a fact or describing someone's action of singing in the present tense, typically referring to a third-person singular subject (he/she/it/you formal).
A simple, colorful storybook illustration of a cheerful yellow bird perched on a green tree branch, singing with its beak wide open, with a blue musical note floating above its head.

Examples

Mi hermano canta muy bien en la ducha.

My brother sings very well in the shower.

Usted canta la ópera con mucha pasión.

You (formal) sing the opera with great passion.

¡Canta una canción para nosotros!

Sing a song for us!

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).

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.

cante

/KAHN-teh//ˈkante/

VerbA2Formal/Subjunctive
Use 'cante' when giving a formal command (usted form) to sing, or when expressing a wish, doubt, or uncertainty about someone singing, often in subjunctive mood contexts.
A person standing on a small wooden stage with arms open wide and mouth open as if singing a song.

Examples

Señora, cante usted una canción.

Ma'am, please sing a song.

Espero que ella cante en la boda.

I hope that she sings at the wedding.

No creo que yo cante bien hoy.

I don't think I'll sing well today.

The 'A' to 'E' Switch

For actions ending in -ar (like 'cantar'), when you want to be polite or express a wish, the 'a' usually switches to an 'e'. That's why 'canta' becomes 'cante'.

Hopes and Dreams

Use 'cante' after phrases like 'Espero que...' (I hope that...) or 'Quiero que...' (I want that...) when referring to someone else singing.

Polite vs. Friendly Commands

Mistake: “Señor, ¡canta!”

Correction: Señor, ¡cante! Use 'canta' for friends and 'cante' for people you want to show more respect to.

Indicative vs. Subjunctive Mood

Learners often confuse 'canta' (indicative) and 'cante' (subjunctive). Remember that 'canta' is for stating facts or describing actions, while 'cante' is used for commands, requests, or expressing doubt/desire, especially with formal 'usted'.

Related Translations

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