tono
/ˈtono/masculine
The English word tone translates to Spanish as tono.
The word tono can be used both for the literal pitch of a voice and to describe the figurative manner or attitude expressed in speech or writing.
Meaning: manner in which speech or writing is expressed (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun tono is masculine. When using the definite article, you should use el tono to mean 'the tone'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtono/
Did you know?
- To describe someone who is 'out of tone' or acting inappropriately for a situation, Spanish speakers might say está fuera de tono.
- In a medical context, tono muscular refers to 'muscle tone', the continuous and partial contraction of the muscles.
- In certain Spanish-speaking contexts, particularly in music, tono refers to the 'key' of a song, such as 'en tono de Do'.
Examples in context
- Oh, ¡pero es el tono de mensajes!Oh, but it's the tone of the messages!This sentence is useful for discussing the tone of messages with tono.Tatoeba #4430866 by cueyayotl, translation #10255413 by LimeGreenTeknii
- No me gusta tu tono de superioridad.I don't like your patronizing tone.This sentence is useful for expressing dislike for a patronizing tone with tono.Tatoeba #5698448 by albrusgher, translation #4497601 by CK
- No tienes que usar un tono tan severo conmigo.You don't have to use such a harsh tone with me.This sentence is useful for mentioning a harsh tone with tono.Tatoeba #1166001 by marcelostockle, translation #41554 by Swift
- El tono de su voz era sereno.The tone of his/her voice was serene.
- La modulación de su tono demostraba tristeza.The modulation of his/her tone showed sadness.
- Me gusta su voz alegre.I like his/her cheerful tone/voice.
- Su tono autoritario no fue bien recibido.His/Her authoritarian tone was not well-received.
- Me encanta su voz apasionada al cantar.I love his/her passionate tone while singing.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo is reading a feedback email to Elena.
- Elena¿Qué te parece el correo del cliente?What do you think of the client's email?
- MateoEl tono es un poco agresivo.The tone is a bit aggressive.
- ElenaTienes razón, Mateo.You are right, Mateo.
- MateoDeberíamos responder con calma.We should respond calmly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tone” translations and entries tono, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
