tema musical
/tema musikal/from spelling rulesmasculine
The English phrase "theme song" is translated into Spanish as tema musical. Wiktionary also lists canción temática.
Meaning: a song accompanying a program (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tema musical | /tema musikal/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| canción temática | /kanθjon tematika/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /kansjon tematika/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
feminine |
A theme song refers to a song that accompanies a specific program. While tema musical is the standard way to express this, you may also use canción de apertura to specifically refer to an opening theme. In many casual contexts, speakers often simplify this by saying el tema de [nombre del programa] (the theme of [program name]).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase tema musical literally translates to "musical theme".
Which one should you use?
Tema musical is the most common way to refer to a theme song in a general sense. In contrast, canción temática is more descriptive and is used less frequently in casual conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural "theme songs", use temas musicales.
Did you know?
- If you are talking about a catchy jingle used in advertisements rather than a full theme, a Spanish speaker might use the word sintonía instead of tema musical.
- The word musical derives from the Ancient Greek mousikḗ, which refers to the arts of the Muses, the goddesses of inspiration.
- While tema musical describes the song, Spanish speakers often use the word banda sonora to describe the entire soundtrack of a production.
Examples in context
- ¿Cuál es tu tema musical favorito de los programas de tv?What's your favorite TV show theme song?This sentence is useful for asking someone about their favorite TV show tema musical.Tatoeba #5992959 by albrusgher, translation #906923 by CK
- Me encanta el tema musical de esa película.I love the theme song of that movie.
- No puedo dejar de tararear la canción de la intro de esta serie.I can't stop humming the theme song of this series.
- Espero ansioso la sintonía de cada episodio de esta serie.I eagerly await the theme song of each episode of this series.
- El tema musical de esa serie es muy famoso.The theme song of that series is very famous.
- Me encanta el tema musical de este dibujo animado.I love the theme song of this cartoon.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are discussing a classic TV show.
- Javier¿Te gusta el tema musical de este programa?Do you like the theme song of this show?
- LucíaSí, es una melodía muy alegre.Yes, it is a very cheerful melody.
- JavierEs el tema musical más icónico de la televisión.It is the most iconic theme song on television.
- LucíaTienes razón, Javier.You are right, Javier.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “theme song” translations, 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 canción, musical, tema, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
