villancico
/biʝanˈθiko/masculine
The English word 'carol' can be translated into Spanish as villancico.
In the context of music, villancico refers to a religious or secular song sung during the Christmas season.
Meaning: religious or secular song sung at Christmastime (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
villancico is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/biʝanˈθiko/
Did you know?
- The word villancico is a diminutive of villano, which means 'peasant'. It literally translates to 'little peasant song'.
- Some villancicos are accompanied by 'zambombas', traditional friction drums made from a clay pot and a string that create a distinct buzzing sound.
- In some Latin American traditions, the singing of villancicos is a central part of the 'Posadas', a nine-day ritual procession.
Examples in context
- ¿Cuál es tu villancico favorito?What's your favorite Christmas carol?This sentence is useful for asking about someone's favorite villancico.Tatoeba #2344226 by Shishir, translation #5705362 by CK
- Señora Carol, gracias por su ayuda.Mrs. Carol, thank you for your help.
- Carolina, ¿vamos al cine esta noche?Carol, shall we go to the movies tonight?
- Ese villancico es muy alegre.That carol is very cheerful.
- Los niños cantan un villancico.The children sing a carol.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are decorating the living room.
- AlejandroLucía, ¿conoces algún villancico alegre?Lucía, do you know any cheerful carol?
- LucíaSí, Alejandro, conozco uno muy famoso.Yes, Alejandro, I know a very famous one.
- AlejandroPerfecto, pon ese villancico en el radio.Perfect, put that carol on the radio.
- LucíaEstá bien, lo pongo ahora mismo.All right, I'll put it on right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “carol” translations and entries villancico, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries villancico, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
