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How to Say "sound" in Spanish

English → Spanish

sonido

/so-NEE-doh//soˈniðo/

nounA1general
Use 'sonido' for any audible phenomenon, like a noise, music, or a voice. This is the most general term for 'sound'.
A brightly colored storybook illustration of a small silver bell ringing, with wavy lines radiating outwards to symbolize the sound.

Examples

El sonido de la alarma me despertó.

The sound of the alarm woke me up.

¿Escuchaste ese sonido raro en el motor?

Did you hear that weird noise in the engine?

Apaga la televisión; necesito silencio, no más sonido.

Turn off the TV; I need silence, no more sound.

Gender Check

Remember that 'sonido' is a masculine word, so you must always use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el sonido', 'un sonido nuevo'.

Verb vs. Noun Confusion

Mistake: “Using 'sonido' when you mean 'suena' (it sounds).”

Correction: Use the noun 'sonido' for the thing you hear, but use the verb 'sonar' (in its correct form, e.g., 'suena') for the action of making a sound.

sano

SAH-noh/ˈsa.no/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'sano' to describe something that is healthy, sensible, or morally good, often referring to judgment, mind, or body.
A peaceful person sitting cross-legged and balanced on a large, stable rock overlooking a calm, clear blue lake.

Examples

Tiene un criterio sano para tomar decisiones importantes.

He has sound judgment for making important decisions.

El jarrón se cayó, pero milagrosamente quedó sano.

The vase fell, but miraculously it remained intact.

Figurative Use

When 'sano' refers to objects or ideas, it means they are complete, undamaged, or not corrupted, much like 'sound' in English (e.g., 'sound logic').

son

/son//son/

nounB1general
Use 'son' specifically when referring to the rhythm or melody of music, or a pleasant, often musical, sound.
Golden musical notes floating out of a wooden flute, representing a sweet sound or tune.

Examples

Bailaron al son de la música.

They danced to the sound of the music.

Me gusta el dulce son de tu voz.

I like the sweet sound of your voice.

El poeta escribió sobre el son del mar.

The poet wrote about the sound of the sea.

Masculine Noun

This word is masculine, so you'll use 'el' and 'un' with it. For example, 'el son' (the sound) and 'un son agradable' (a pleasant sound).

sentado

sen-TAH-doh/senˈt̪a.ðo/

adjectiveB2formal
Use 'sentado' to describe arguments, principles, or decisions that are well-established, firm, or based on solid reasoning.
A massive, ancient stone pillar standing firmly on solid ground, symbolizing stability and establishment.

Examples

Nuestra política se basa en principios bien sentados.

Our policy is based on well-established principles.

Era una decisión sentada y muy lógica.

It was a sound and very logical decision.

Figurative Usage

When used figuratively, 'sentado' means the idea or concept is 'solid' or 'well-rooted,' just like a person firmly seated and stable.

Sound vs. Noise

The most common mistake is using 'sano' or 'sentado' when you mean an audible noise. Remember that 'sonido' is the general word for any audible phenomenon, while 'sano' relates to health/reason and 'sentado' to established ideas.

Related Translations

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