canto
/ˈkanto/
To chant in Spanish is canto.
The term is used to describe the act of uttering or repeating something in a strongly rhythmical manner. In the specific context of religious or liturgical music, such as 'Gregorian chant', the noun canto is used to translate 'chant'.
Meaning: utter or repeat in a strongly rhythmical manner (verb)
Which one should you use?
While canto is a verb form meaning 'I chant', it can also function as a noun meaning 'song' or 'chant' in certain poetic or archaic contexts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The third-person plural present indicative form is cantan, which means 'they/you all chant'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkanto/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word canto can mean both 'I chant' and 'corner' or 'edge', depending on whether it comes from the Latin 'cantus' or the Greek 'kanthos'.
- While canto is the root for 'chant', it is also the basis for the word encantar, which is used to say 'I love' or 'it charms me'.
- The word canto is used to divide long epic poems, such as Dante's Divine Comedy, into specific sections.
Examples in context
- Tom escuchaba cantos gregorianos.Tom listened to Gregorian chant.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use the noun form canto in a musical context.Tatoeba #1489112 by hayastan, translation #1488816 by Spamster
- El canto gregoriano es una forma de canto religioso muy antigua.Gregorian chant is a very ancient form of religious singing.
- El coro entonó un hermoso coral durante la ceremonia.The choir performed a beautiful chant during the ceremony.
- Los seguidores del equipo corearon su grito de guerra durante todo el partido.The team's supporters chanted their war cry throughout the entire match.
- El pueblo cantó una plegaria en honor al santo patrono.The community chanted a prayer in honor of the patron saint.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are at a meditation retreat.
- ElenaJavier, ¿por qué canto esto tan fuerte?Javier, why do I chant this so loudly?
- JavierAyuda a liberar la energía, Elena.It helps release energy, Elena.
- ElenaEntonces canto con más ritmo ahora.Then I'll chant with more rhythm now.
- JavierExacto, sigue así.Exactly, keep it up.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry canto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries canto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
