canzone
/kanˈt͡so.ne/feminine
The Italian word for "song" is canzone.
The most common and versatile word for "song" in Italian is canzone. It is used generally to describe music with words.
Meaning: music with words (noun)
Which one should you use?
While canzone is the standard term, you may encounter other words depending on the context. Pezzo is a colloquial way to refer to a "song," similar to saying "tune" or "jam" in English. For more formal settings, brano is used to mean "track" or "piece," and composizione is used when specifically referring to a composed musical piece.
How does it change in a sentence?
canzone is a feminine noun. Its plural form is canzoni.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /kanˈtso.ne/.
When do people say it?
The diminutive form canzonetta is often used to refer to a short, lighthearted or simple song, often called a "ditty" in English.
Did you know?
- While canzone is the general word, Italian uses aria to describe a specific type of song in opera. An aria is designed to express a character's inner emotions rather than move the plot forward.
- Italy's famous Sanremo Music Festival is often referred to as the 'Festival della Canzone'. This event is so influential that it often dictates which songs become hits across the whole country.
- In the Renaissance, a canzone was a specific, sophisticated musical form that preceded the modern song. It had strict rules about structure and rhythm that composers had to follow.
Examples in context
- È una canzone pop.It's a pop song.This sentence shows how to use canzone to describe a pop song.Tatoeba #11730739 by Guybrush88, translation #5930462 by mailohilohi
- Come fa la canzone?How does the song go?This sentence uses canzone to ask how a melody or song goes.Tatoeba #3304940 by Guybrush88, translation #49287 by CK
- È solo una canzone.It's just a song.This sentence uses canzone to emphasize that something is just a song.Tatoeba #3973619 by Guybrush88, translation #3820676 by CK
- Mi piace molto la tua ultima canzone!I really like your latest song!
- Hai ascoltato il nuovo brano dei Negramaro?Did you listen to the new song by Negramaro?
- La composizione di questo pezzo è davvero straordinaria.The composition of this piece is truly extraordinary.
- Questo pezzo è una hit dell'estate!This song is a summer hit!
- 957 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Lorenzo are talking about a new track on the radio.
- SofiaTi piace questa canzone?Do you like this song?
- LorenzoSì, è una canzone molto bella.Yes, it is a very beautiful song.
- SofiaChi canta questa canzone?Who is singing this song?
- LorenzoNon ricordo il nome dell'artista.I don't remember the artist's name.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “song” translations and entries canzone, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
