Inklingo

How to Say "song" in Spanish

English → Spanish

canción

NounA1General
Use 'canción' when referring to a song with lyrics that is meant to be sung, like a pop song or a folk song.

Examples

¿Cuál es tu canción favorita?

What is your favorite song?

canto

/KAN-toh//ˈkanto/

NounA1General
Use 'canto' when referring to the sound produced by a bird or other animal, or a more general melodic sound.
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.

tema

/TEH-mah//ˈte.ma/

NounB1Informal/Modern
Use 'tema' to refer to a specific musical track or piece, often in the context of modern music or a particular artist's work.
A single, large, cheerful, stylized eighth musical note floating prominently in the center of the frame.

Examples

¿Has escuchado el último tema de este artista?

Have you heard this artist's latest song?

Mi tema favorito del álbum es el número tres.

My favorite track on the album is number three.

El tema de la película es muy famoso.

The theme song of the movie is very famous.

Canción vs. Tema

Learners often use 'canción' for any musical piece, but 'tema' is more specific for a single track by an artist, especially in informal contexts. Reserve 'canción' for songs with lyrics.

Related Translations

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