rap
/ˈrap/
To rap in Spanish is to say rap.
The term rap is used to describe the act of performing or speaking lyrics in the style of rap music.
Meaning: to speak lyrics in the style of rap music (verb)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the word rapero is used to mean 'rapper'. In Puerto Rico, the term trap is frequently used to refer to a specific subgenre that blends hip-hop with elements of reggaeton and Latin trap.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈrap/
When do people say it?
The phrase El rapero/a de barrio is an informal way to refer to underground or local neighborhood rap artists.
Did you know?
- The term freestyle is used globally in Spanish rap, leading to the creation of batallas de gallos or 'rooster battles', which are highly organized improvised rap competitions.
- In some Caribbean contexts, the rhythmic style of rap can be blended into 'reggaeton', leading people to use the term 'perreo' to describe the dance associated with the beat.
- In lyrical battles, or 'batallas de gallos', the 'rap' performed is often highly improvisational, a skill highly prized across all Spanish-speaking urban cultures.
Examples in context
- ¿Te gusta el rap?Do you like rap?Tatoeba #1172680 by marcelostockle, translation #2310 by CK
- Muchas canciones de rap son degradantes para las mujeres.Many rap songs are degrading to women.Tatoeba #13441136 by Seael, translation #2909234 by Hybrid
- Lo único que necesitas saber para darte cuenta de que la mayoría de las personas son idiotas, es que la música rap es la música más popular del mundo.The only thing that you need to know in order to realize that most people are idiots, is that rap music is the most popular music in the world.Tatoeba #9549276 by rafaeldejesus8199, translation #9549285 by rafaeldejesus8199
- Me gusta escuchar el rap de artistas españoles.I enjoy listening to Spanish rap artists.
- Muchos jóvenes se sienten identificados con el hip-hop.Many young people identify with hip-hop.
- Conocí a un rapero muy talentoso en la plaza.I met a very talented rapper at the square.
- En mi barrio siempre hay rapero/as de barrio que intentan ganarse la vida con su música.In my neighborhood, there are always local rappers trying to make a living with their music.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are talking about their hobbies.
- SofíaMe gusta escribir poemas y rap.I like to write poems and rap.
- Alejandro¡Qué bien! ¿Puedes rap para nosotros?That's great! Can you rap for us?
- SofíaSí, pero me da un poco de vergüenza.Yes, but I'm a little shy.
- AlejandroNo te preocupes, seguro que lo haces genial.Don't worry, I'm sure you do it great.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry rap, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
