compás
/kompas/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the phrase 'music beat' is expressed as compás.
The term compás is used to refer to the basic unit of time in a piece of music that marks the pulse of the rhythm. If you are describing the act of following the rhythm or keeping time, you can use the phrase llevar el compás. In many instances where an English speaker might use 'beat' to actually mean 'rhythm', the more natural Spanish equivalent is ritmo.
Which one should you use?
There are technical distinctions between related terms: compás refers to the rhythmic structure or time signature, whereas pulso is used to refer specifically to the steady, underlying pulse of the music. Additionally, pulso is a formal way to describe the recurring pattern of a composition.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of compás is compases.
How do you pronounce it?
/kompas/
Did you know?
- In a non-musical context, the phrase perder el compás can be used metaphorically to mean losing one's balance or composure in a situation.
- The word compás is used in Spanish to describe both a musical beat and a physical drawing tool, like a pair of dividers or a compass.
- In traditional Spanish flamenco, the compás is not just a beat but a complex rhythmic cycle that dancers and musicians must synchronize perfectly to avoid a performance error.
Examples in context
- El ritmo de esta canción es pegadizoThe beat of this song is catchy
- El pulso de esta melodía es enérgicoThe beat of this melody is energetic
- El compás de esta sinfonía es complejoThe beat of this symphony is complex
- Me gusta ese ritmillo que tiene la canciónI like that catchy beat the song has
- ¡Qué ritmote tiene esta música!What a strong beat this music has!
- El compás de esta canción es muy rápido.The beat of this song is very fast.
- No puedo seguir el compás sin música.I cannot follow the beat without music.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are practicing a piece of music together.
- Alejandro¿Puedes mantener el compás, Elena?Can you keep the beat, Elena?
- ElenaSí, Alejandro, lo tengo bajo control.Yes, Alejandro, I have it under control.
- AlejandroMuy bien, el ritmo es perfecto.Very well, the rhythm is perfect.
- ElenaGracias, sigamos practicando ahora.Thank you, let's keep practicing now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
