lírica
/ˈliɾika/
The Spanish word for lyric is lírica.
The term is used to describe a category of poetry that expresses personal emotions or feelings. In Spanish, la lírica is the standard way to refer to the literary genre of lyric poetry.
Which one should you use?
When used as a noun to refer to the genre of poetry, the word is the feminine la lírica.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective form changes to the masculine lírico when describing a masculine noun, such as el género lírico (the lyric genre).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈliɾika/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, describing someone as lírico can be a subtle way of calling them overly dramatic or prone to exaggerated emotional outbursts in a conversation.
- While English uses 'lyric' for song words, Spanish uses letra, a word that literally means 'letter'.
- Spanish literary analysis often distinguishes between el yo lírico and the actual author. The 'lyrical I' is treated as a fictional persona or mask created by the poet to express emotions.
Examples in context
- La letra de esa canción es muy emotiva.The lyric of that song is very emotive.
- Sus versos siempre transmiten profundidad.His/her lyrics always convey depth.
- Me encanta cómo interpretas las palabras de la canción.I love how you interpret the words of the song.
- La lírica es muy importante en la literatura.Lyric poetry is very important in literature.
- Prefiero la lírica sobre la narrativa.I prefer lyric poetry over narrative.
- Ella estudia la lírica del siglo XIX.She studies nineteenth-century lyric poetry.
Example conversation
María and Javier are discussing their literature homework.
- MaríaJavier, ¿ya terminaste el ensayo sobre la lírica?Javier, did you already finish the essay on lyric poetry?
- JavierTodavía no, María. Es un tema difícil.Not yet, María. It is a difficult topic.
- MaríaA mí me parece muy interesante.I find it very interesting.
- JavierTienes razón, pero requiere mucha lectura.You are right, but it requires a lot of reading.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry lírica, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
