canción
/kanˈθjon/feminine
The English word song is translated into Spanish as canción. Wiktionary also lists rola.
Meaning: music with words (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| canción | /kanˈθjon/ /kanˈsjon/ |
feminine |
| rola | /ˈrola/ | feminine |
The term refers to music with words. While canción is the standard way to express this, you can also use formal terms like tema musical to emphasize the musical aspect or composición musical to emphasize the compositional aspect.
Which one should you use?
Use canción as the standard word for a song. In contrast, rola is used for a more informal or street-level way to refer to a track or tune.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Canción is the most common word and is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Conversely, rola is a slang term. For strictly formal situations, you may use tema musical or composición musical.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of canción is canciones.
How do you pronounce it?
/kanˈθjon/
Did you know?
- The word rola comes from the verb rolar, which means 'to roll' or 'to pass'. It likely refers to the act of passing a record or a tape to another person.
- In traditional Spanish music, a copla is a specific type of song and poetic form. While it is a canción, calling it a copla highlights its deep emotional and cultural roots in Spain.
- The word rola is primarily a piece of slang used in Mexico. In other Spanish-speaking countries, it may not be recognized as a word for 'song' at all.
Examples in context
- Esta es mi canción.This is my song.This sentence uses canción to show ownership of a song.Tatoeba #2351048 by Shishir, translation #1502902 by paula_guisard
- Esto es una canción.It's a song.This sentence uses canción to identify an object as a song.Tatoeba #2353281 by Shishir, translation #1946278 by CM
- Me gusta tu canción.I like your song.This sentence uses canción to express liking a song.Tatoeba #2412333 by marcelostockle, translation #8160838 by magnificentgoddess
- ¿Puedes tocar una canción en la fiesta?Can you play a song at the party?
- El tema musical interpretado por el coro fue realmente hermoso.The song performed by the choir was truly beautiful.
- ¿Qué canción estás escuchando ahora mismo?What song are you listening to right now?
- Vamos a escuchar un temita antes de salir.Let's listen to a little song before we leave.
- 352 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are at a cafe listening to the radio.
- Lucía¿Te gusta esta canción, Alejandro?Do you like this song, Alejandro?
- AlejandroSí, es una canción muy bonita.Yes, it is a very beautiful song.
- LucíaYo también la quiero aprender a cantar.I also want to learn to sing it.
- AlejandroLucía, eres una gran cantante.Lucía, you are a great singer.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “song” translations and entries canción, rola, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
