What is the difference between "cantando", "canto", "cante" in Spanish?

The English word 'singing' can be translated into Spanish in a few ways, depending on the context. The most common translation refers to the ongoing action of singing, while others refer to specific styles of singing or the general act of vocal music.

How to Say "singing" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “singing” is “cantando” — use this when describing someone or something that is actively singing at this very moment, similar to the English present progressive tense ('is singing').

cantando🔊A1

Use this when describing someone or something that is actively singing at this very moment, similar to the English present progressive tense ('is singing').

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canto🔊A1

Use this to refer to the general act of making music with your voice, or the sound produced by a voice, often used for animals like birds.

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cante🔊B1

This term is specifically used for the traditional Spanish style of singing, particularly flamenco or other folk music.

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English → Spanish

cantando

kahn-TAHN-dohkanˈtando

VerbA1General

Use this when describing someone or something that is actively singing at this very moment, similar to the English present progressive tense ('is singing').

A happy child stands on a simple stage, singing enthusiastically into a standing microphone. Bright, colorful musical notes float in the air around the child's head, illustrating the sound.

Examples

Mi hermano está cantando una canción muy famosa en la radio.

My brother is singing a very famous song on the radio.

Ella trabaja en la cocina cantando para pasar el tiempo.

She works in the kitchen singing to pass the time.

Llevamos tres horas cantando en el karaoke, me duele la garganta.

We have been singing for three hours at karaoke; my throat hurts.

Forming Continuous Actions

You use 'cantando' (the gerund) with a form of the verb 'estar' (like 'estoy,' 'estás,' 'está') to show an action happening at the moment of speaking: 'Estamos cantando' (We are singing).

Describing the Manner of Action

You can also use 'cantando' by itself to explain how someone did something: 'Caminó cantando' (He walked, singing/while singing).

Using 'Ser' instead of 'Estar'

Mistake: “Soy cantando”

Correction: Estoy cantando. Remember, 'estar' is always used with 'cantando' to describe temporary, ongoing actions.

Confusing Gerund and Infinitive

Mistake: “Quiero ir a cantar ahora.”

Correction: Quiero ir a cantar ahora. (This is correct, but the mistake is using 'cantando' when you mean 'to sing'). Remember, 'cantando' is only used for continuous action or describing manner.

See full entry for “cantando” →

canto

KAN-tohˈkanto

NounA1General

Use this to refer to the general act of making music with your voice, or the sound produced by a voice, often used for animals like birds.

A single, large, stylized musical eighth note floating, with colorful, wavy lines radiating outward, representing sound.

Examples

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.

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.

See full entry for “canto” →

cante

KAHN-tehˈkante

NounB1Specific/Artistic

This term is specifically used for the traditional Spanish style of singing, particularly flamenco or other folk music.

A man in traditional Spanish clothing with his head tilted back and mouth open as if singing flamenco.

Examples

Me encanta el cante jondo por su intensidad.

I love the 'cante jondo' (deep singing) because of its intensity.

El cante de ese gitano era puro sentimiento.

That gypsy's singing was pure emotion.

Hay diferentes tipos de cante en el flamenco.

There are different types of singing in flamenco.

Cante vs. Canto

While both mean 'singing' or 'song,' use 'cante' specifically for flamenco and folk traditions in Spain. Use 'canto' for general singing or opera.

Using Cante for Pop Music

Mistake: “Me gusta el cante de Shakira.”

Correction: Me gusta el canto (or la voz) de Shakira. 'Cante' sounds very specific to folk traditions and might sound odd used for modern pop stars.

See full entry for “cante” →

Confusing 'canto' and 'cante'

Learners often confuse 'canto' (general singing/birdsong) with 'cante' (flamenco/traditional style). Remember that 'canto' is broad and everyday, while 'cante' is specific to certain artistic traditions.

Related Translations

song→bad smell→by singing→chant→corner→edge→i sing→scene→

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