Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| canção | /kɐ̃ˈsɐ̃w̃/ (Brazil) /kɐ̃ˈsɐ̃w̃/ (Portugal) |
feminine |
| cantiga | /kɐ̃ˈt͡ʃi.ɡɐ/ (Brazil) /kɐ̃ˈti.ɡɐ/ (Portugal) |
feminine |
| música | /ˈmu.zi.kɐ/ (Brazil) /ˈmu.zi.kɐ/ (Portugal) |
feminine |
The term 'song' refers to music accompanied by words. The most common way to refer to a song in everyday conversation is through the word música.
Which one should you use?
canção specifically refers to a song with lyrics. In contrast, música technically means 'music' in general, but it is the most common way to refer to a song in everyday conversation. Use cantiga when referring to a traditional folk song, often used in historical or poetic contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The informal use of som to mean 'song' is more prevalent in Brazil.
How does it change in a sentence?
All three forms are feminine nouns. To form the plural, use canções for canção, músicas for música and cantigas for cantiga.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɐ̃ˈsɐ̃w̃/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use canção when they actually mean música. In casual speech, música is the standard way to say 'a song'.
Did you know?
- The word música is derived from the Ancient Greek word Μοῦσα, meaning 'Muse'.
- The term cantiga is specifically used for children's nursery rhymes and traditional lullabies in many Portuguese speaking regions.
- The term cantiga is often used in historical contexts to describe the medieval lyrical poetry of the Iberian Peninsula.
Examples in context
- Eu amo esta música.I love this song.This sentence shows how to express affection for a piece of music using música.Tatoeba #1608914 by alexmarcelo, translation #1553458 by CK
- É uma linda canção.It's a beautiful song.This sentence uses canção to describe a song as beautiful.Tatoeba #6081873 by carlosalberto, translation #6076365 by Hybrid
- Esta é minha canção.This is my song.This sentence uses canção to show possession of a song.Tatoeba #3019086 by ario_sana, translation #1502902 by paula_guisard
- A canção brasileira é famosa no mundo todo.Brazilian songs are famous worldwide.
- João compôs uma linda canção em português.João composed a beautiful song in Portuguese.
- Essa música é um sucesso.This song is a hit.
- A música portuguesa é rica em tradições.Portuguese music is rich in traditions.
- Que música você está ouvindo?What song are you listening to?
- Adoro essa música, ela é muito contagiante.I love this song, it's very catchy.
- 373 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rodrigo and Beatriz are listening to the radio.
- RodrigoVocê conhece esta canção?Do you know this song?
- BeatrizSim, eu adoro a letra dela.Yes, I love its lyrics.
- RodrigoQual é o nome da canção?What is the name of the song?
- BeatrizEu não lembro agora, Rodrigo.I don't remember right now, Rodrigo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “song” translations and entries canção, cantiga, música, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cantiga, canção, música, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
