cadencia
/kaˈdenθja/feminine
The English word cadence is translated into Spanish as cadencia.
cadencia refers to a balanced, rhythmic flow. It can describe the rhythmic flow of speech, music or even the repetitive movement of a person walking.
Meaning: balanced, rhythmic flow (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is feminine, so it is used with the feminine article la to form la cadencia.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaˈdenθja/
Did you know?
- While English uses 'cadence' for military marching, Spanish speakers more commonly use paso or ritmo for soldiers and reserve cadencia for artistic or natural flows.
- The Latin root of cadencia refers to the act of 'falling', which is why the word is used to describe the way a melody or a voice 'falls' at the end of a phrase.
- In certain Spanish-speaking musical contexts, a professional might use the term cadencia to describe a specific melodic resolution rather than just a general rhythm.
Examples in context
- Los venezolanos hablan con una cadencia muy musical.Venezuelans speak with a very musical cadence.This sentence illustrates how someone might describe the musicality of a specific way of speaking using cadencia.Tatoeba #701800 by Shishir, translation #696930 by darinmex
- Su tono al hablar tiene una cadencia encantadora.Her tone of speech has a charming cadence.
- La modulación de su voz creaba una cadencia diferente.The modulation of his voice created a different cadence.
- Su música tiene una cadencia única.His music has a unique cadence.
- Me gusta la cadencia de su voz al leer.I like the cadence of her voice when reading.
- La canción tiene una cadencia muy relajante.The song has a very relaxing cadence.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are listening to a jazz record in a living room.
- Javier¿Escuchas la cadencia de la batería?Do you hear the cadence of the drums?
- SofíaSí, es muy rítmica y suave.Yes, it is very rhythmic and smooth.
- JavierSofía, esa cadencia me ayuda a concentrarme.Sofía, that cadence helps me concentrate.
- SofíaA mí también me encanta.I love it too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cadence” translations and entries cadencia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cadencia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
