How to Say "time signature" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “time signature” is “compás” — A2 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.
Examples
Tienes que seguir el compás de la música.
You have to follow the beat of the music.
Llevaba el compás golpeando la mesa con los dedos.
He was keeping time by tapping the table with his fingers.
Esta canción tiene un compás de cuatro por cuatro.
This song has a four-four time signature.
Plural Spelling Change
When you make this word plural, it becomes 'compases'. Notice that the written accent on the 'a' disappears because the stress naturally stays on that same syllable.
Using 'Al compás de'
This phrase is used just like 'to the beat of' in English. It is always followed by 'de' and then the thing providing the rhythm.
Rhythm vs. Beat
Mistake: “Using 'ritmo' when you specifically mean the underlying mathematical beat.”
Correction: While related, use 'compás' when talking about the specific timing or the physical act of keeping the beat.
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