verso
/ˈbeɾso/
In Spanish, a line of poetry is called verso.
The term verso is used to denote a single row of words within a poem.
Which one should you use?
While verso refers specifically to a single line, the word estrofa is used to refer to a group of lines, known as a stanza.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to multiple lines of poetry, use the plural form versos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbeɾso/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers sometimes incorrectly use línea de poesía to mean a line of poetry. In a technical or literary context, you should use verso instead.
Did you know?
- The phrase echar un verso is a colloquial way to say someone is flirting or trying to seduce another person with smooth talk.
- The word verso comes from the Latin versus, which originally referred to the act of turning or plowing a furrow in a field.
- The word verso also describes the back side of a page or a leaf of paper, which is the opposite of the recto or the front.
Examples in context
- Cada verso poético de su obra es genuinamente inspiradorEvery poetic line of his work is genuinely inspiring
- Cada estrofa de esta poesía contiene cuatro versosEach stanza of this poem contains four lines of poetry
- Este verso es muy hermoso.This line of poetry is very beautiful.
- No entiendo este verso.I don't understand this line of poetry.
- Escribí un verso para ti.I wrote a line of poetry for you.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are discussing a book of poems.
- María¿Cuál es tu verso favorito?What is your favorite line of poetry?
- DanielMe gusta este verso de la página diez.I like this line of poetry from page ten.
- MaríaEs un verso muy profundo, Daniel.It is a very profound line of poetry, Daniel.
- DanielSí, María, es una obra maestra.Yes, María, it is a masterpiece.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry verso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries verso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
