Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| canto | /ˈkanto/ | masculine |
| canturía | /kantuɾia/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| cantoría | /kantoɾia/ (from spelling rules) | feminine, alternative form |
The term refers to the act of using the voice to produce musical sounds or the art of vocalizing. For example, you can use the phrase clases de canto to refer to singing lessons or vocal coaching. If you want to describe music that is smooth and flowing, the related adjective mélico can be used.
Which one should you use?
While canto is the standard masculine noun, you may encounter canturía or its alternative spelling cantoría, which is a feminine noun. Note that canto can also be the first-person singular present indicative of the verb 'cantar', meaning 'I sing'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, the phrase el canto coral is used to specifically refer to choral singing.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
canto is a masculine noun used to refer to the act of singing or the art of singing. When you are referring to singing as a specific concept or a specific type of singing, such as the singing of birds, the definite article el is typically used.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkanto/
When do people say it?
Across Spanish-speaking countries, the phrase El Canto Lírico is used to refer to opera or classical singing. For an informal way to express the act of humming or singing softly, you can use the verb canturrear.
Did you know?
- The adjective mélico, used to describe smooth singing, is derived from the Greek word for 'honey'.
- The word canto can refer to a musical performance, but it also shares an etymological root with the word for a corner or an edge, such as the rim of a wheel.
Examples in context
- Es profesor de canto.He's a singing teacher.This sentence is useful for describing someone's profession using canto.Tatoeba #2258580 by hayastan, translation #2258579 by _undertoad
- Canto desde los seis años.I've been singing since I was six.This sentence shows how canto can function as a verb meaning 'I sing'.Tatoeba #2092192 by hayastan, translation #2092198 by MethodGT
- Entré a un concurso de canto.I entered a singing contest.This sentence demonstrates the use of canto as a noun in the context of a contest.Tatoeba #2828737 by marcelostockle, translation #2325177 by CK
- Me encanta el canto. ¿A ti te gusta?I love singing. Do you like it?
- Tengo una gran pasión por cantar.I have a great passion for singing.
- Vamos a disfrutar del cante esta noche.Let's enjoy the singing tonight.
- A veces, me gusta canturrear mientras limpio la casa.Sometimes, I like to hum while I clean the house.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are discussing their hobbies.
- JavierMe gusta mucho el canto.I really like singing.
- María¿Toman clases de canto tú y Javier?Do you and Javier take singing lessons?
- JavierSí, el canto es mi pasión.Yes, singing is my passion.
- María¡Qué bien! Me encantaría escucharte.How great! I would love to hear you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “singing” translations and entries canto, cantoría, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries canto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
