acento
/aˈθento/masculine
The English word accent can be translated into Spanish as acento. If unsure, use acento. It is also spelled deje. Wiktionary also lists dejo and cantadito.
Meaning: distinctive pronunciation associated with a region, social group, etc. (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| acento | /aˈθento/ /aˈsento/ |
masculine |
| dejo | /ˈdexo/ | masculine |
| deje | /ˈdexe/ | masculine, alternative form |
| cantadito | /kantaˈdito/ | masculine |
| cantito | /kanˈtito/ | masculine |
Acento refers to a distinctive pronunciation associated with a region or social group, but it can also refer to the linguistic concept of stress or the emphasis placed on a specific syllable. The related verb acentuar means to emphasize.
Which one should you use?
While acento refers to the accent itself, dejo and its alternative spelling deje are used to describe a subtle nuance, trace or characteristic quality of a person's speech or mannerism.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Cantadito is used colloquially to describe an accent with a rhythmic, sing-song quality. Dejo is a more formal way to describe a trace or nuance of an accent.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈθento/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, acento refers to both the way a person speaks and the physical mark (the tilde) placed over a vowel to indicate stress.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling an accent a cantadito can be a term of endearment, though it can also be used patronizingly to highlight someone's perceived provincialism.
- The word dejo is a deverbal noun derived from the verb dejar, which means 'to leave' or 'to let'.
Examples in context
- Me gusta tu acento.I like your accent.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference for someone's acento.Tatoeba #2412334 by marcelostockle, translation #11346479 by Luornu
- ¿Qué acento es ese?What accent is that?This sentence is useful for asking about a specific acento.Tatoeba #11853709 by Eremon, translation #5922587 by mailohilohi
- Ese acento es falso.That accent is fake.This sentence is useful for stating that an acento is not genuine.Tatoeba #11853710 by Eremon, translation #5951580 by mailohilohi
- Su acento español es muy marcado.His Spanish accent is very pronounced.
- 109 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a new colleague at work.
- AlejandroEl nuevo empleado tiene un acento extraño.The new employee has a strange accent.
- LucíaSí, parece que viene del sur.Yes, it seems like he comes from the south.
- Alejandro¿Te gusta su acento?Do you like his accent?
- LucíaSí, es un acento muy agradable.Yes, it is a very pleasant accent.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “accent” translations and entries acento, dejo, deje, cantadito, cantito, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries acento, cantadito, dejo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
