cover
/kobeɾ/from spelling rules
In Spanish, a song cover is referred to as cover.
The term cover is a loanword from English used to describe a new recording of a song originally performed by someone else. When using this term, it is common to use the preposition de to indicate the original artist, such as un cover de [artista].
Which one should you use?
While cover is an informal loanword, you can use more traditional Spanish terms for different levels of formality or specific nuances. Versión de una canción or simply versión are the standard, formal ways to refer to a cover. If you want to emphasize the act of performing or interpreting the song, you can use Interpretación de una canción. For an informal way to say 'song covers' in the plural, you might see Covers de canciones.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word cover is widely used in informal musical contexts across Spanish-speaking countries. For formal situations, it is better to use versión or the phrase Versión de una canción.
How do you pronounce it?
/kobeɾ/
Did you know?
- To describe a cover that deeply reinterprets a composition, some recording circles use the word relectura, which literally translates to 'rereading'.
- In some Latin American countries, you may hear the term versión used specifically to refer to a song translated into Spanish from another language.
- Spanish speakers use cover as an unadapted borrowing, meaning they retain the English spelling rather than changing it to fit Spanish orthography.
Examples in context
- Me encanta escuchar versiones de canciones famosasI love listening to cover versions of famous songs
- En YouTube se pueden encontrar muchos covers de canciones famosasYou can find many song covers on YouTube
- Me encanta la versión de 'Hallelujah' interpretada por Jeff BuckleyI love Jeff Buckley's cover of 'Hallelujah'
- Ayer escuché un cover de una canción de los BeatlesYesterday, I listened to a cover of a Beatles song
- Su cover de esa canción es muy bueno.His cover of that song is very good.
- ¿Vas a grabar un cover para YouTube?Are you going to record a cover for YouTube?
- Este cover suena mejor que la versión original.This cover sounds better than the original version.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are talking about music on YouTube.
- ElenaMira este cover que subió Elena.Look at this cover that Elena uploaded.
- DanielCantas muy bien, Elena.You sing very well, Elena.
- ElenaGracias, Daniel. Fue difícil hacer el cover.Thanks, Daniel. It was hard to do the cover.
- DanielVale la pena, quedó excelente.It was worth it, it turned out excellent.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
