ritmo
/ˈridmo/
The English word rhythm is translated into Spanish as ritmo.
ritmo is a noun used to describe the tempo or speed of a beat, a song or a repeated event.
Meaning: tempo or speed of a beat, song, or repeated event (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Andalusia, Spain and within flamenco music circles, the word compás is used to describe rhythm.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈridmo/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word ritmo comes from the Ancient Greek word rhéō, meaning 'to flow'.
- The term ritmo is used in Spanish sports commentary to describe a team's momentum or the intensity of a match, rather than just the speed.
- A common Spanish expression, marcar el ritmo, means to set the pace, often used in business or politics to describe who is leading the direction of a project.
Examples in context
- ¡Es inútil si no lo haces con ritmo!It's useless if you don't do it with rhythm!This sentence is useful for illustrating how to use ritmo in a context of performing an action.Tatoeba #1128929 by marcelostockle, translation #4724156 by panamicua
- Es la reina del claqué, no hay quien supere su ritmo y su gracia de movimientos.She is the queen of tap dancing, there is no one who surpasses her rhythm and grace of movement.This sentence is useful for seeing how ritmo describes the movement and pace of a dancer.Tatoeba #3720384 by Seael, translation #4445321 by LB
- La traducción de Tom está muy enfocada en el ritmo de la traducción al inglés, e ignora los matices del original.Tom's translation is too focused on the rhythm of English translation, and ignores the nuances of the original.This sentence is useful for showing how ritmo can refer to the flow or pace of a translation.Tatoeba #4031742 by Lisandro586, translation #2673510 by WestofEden
- La música latina tiene un ritmo contagioso.Latin music has a contagious rhythm.
- El ritmo del poema es apasionado y vibrante.The rhythm of the poem is passionate and vibrant.
- El pianista tiene un excelente manejo del ritmo.The pianist has an excellent sense of rhythm.
- Asegúrate de seguir el ritmo del director durante la presentación.Make sure to follow the conductor's rhythm during the performance.
- Mira cómo baila, ¡tiene mucho flow!Look at how he/she dances, they have a lot of rhythm!
- Esta música tiene buena onda.This music has a good rhythm/vibe.
- Me gusta su estilo, tiene mucha onda.I like his/her style, they have a lot of rhythm/coolness.
- Mira cómo se mueve, ¡tiene mucha onda!Look at how he/she moves, they have a lot of rhythm/coolness!
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are practicing a dance routine in a studio.
- ElenaJavier, el ritmo de esta canción es muy rápido.Javier, the rhythm of this song is very fast.
- JavierTienes razón, Elena, perdemos el ritmo fácilmente.You're right, Elena, we lose the rhythm easily.
- Elena¿Podemos practicar un poco más lento?Can we practice a little slower?
- JavierSí, así seguiremos mejor el ritmo.Yes, that way we will follow the rhythm better.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ritmo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ritmo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
