Inklingo

How to Say "tune" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word fortuneis canciónuse 'canción' when referring to a song as a whole, which inherently includes its tune or melody. This is the most general and common translation..

English → Spanish

canción

NounA1General
Use 'canción' when referring to a song as a whole, which inherently includes its tune or melody. This is the most general and common translation.

Examples

¿Cuál es tu canción favorita?

What is your favorite song?

melodía

NounA2General
Choose 'melodía' when you want to emphasize the catchy or simple sequence of notes, the tune itself, as distinct from the entire song.

Examples

La melodía de esa canción es muy pegajosa.

The melody of that song is very catchy.

son

/son//son/

NounB1General
Use 'son' to refer to a melody or tune, often in the context of music that accompanies dancing or a particular rhythm.
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).

aire

/ai-reh//ˈai.ɾe/

NounB2General
Employ 'aire' specifically when referring to a musical melody, often implying a folk tune or a piece with a distinct character.
A simple wooden flute resting on a surface, from which a vibrant, continuous stream of colorful, stylized musical notes flows upwards, representing a melody.

Examples

El flautista tocó un aire popular de su región.

The flutist played a popular tune from his region.

La canción tiene un aire melancólico.

The song has a melancholic air/melody.

Canción vs. Melodía

Learners often confuse 'canción' and 'melodía'. Remember that 'canción' refers to the entire song, while 'melodía' specifically means the tune or melody line. You can have a 'melodía' within a 'canción'.

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