riff
/ˈrif/masculine
The Spanish word for a repeated instrumental melody line is riff.
Meaning: repeated instrumental melody line (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The term is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈrif/
Did you know?
- Even though English speakers use 'riff' as a noun, a Spanish speaker might actually use the verb riffear to describe the act of playing one.
- When talking about a riff in a songwriting context, Spanish musicians might use the verb sacar to describe the act of learning it by ear, literally meaning 'to take out'.
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, if a musician refers to a 'riff' as being 'pesado', they are not saying it is heavy in weight, but rather that it is intense or powerful.
Examples in context
- Me encanta tocar ese riff en mi guitarra eléctrica.I love playing that riff on my electric guitar.
- Ese guitarreo de la canción es tan pegajoso que no puedo sacarlo de mi cabeza.That riff in the song is so catchy, I can't get it out of my head.
- El riff de esta canción es muy pegajoso.The riff of this song is very catchy.
- Me encanta el riff inicial de la guitarra.I love the initial guitar riff.
- Ese riff de bajo es muy potente.That bass riff is very powerful.
Example conversation
Two friends are listening to a new rock album in a living room.
- Lucía¿Escuchaste el nuevo riff de esa banda?Did you hear the new riff from that band?
- DanielSí, el riff de la guitarra es increíble.Yes, the guitar riff is incredible.
- LucíaDaniel, creo que es mi parte favorita.Daniel, I think it is my favorite part.
- DanielA mí también me parece muy bueno.I also think it is very good.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “riff” translations and entries riff, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
