verso
/ˈbeɾso/masculine
The Spanish word for verse is verso.
The term verso refers to one of several similar units of a song, consisting of several lines, generally rhymed.
Meaning: one of several similar units of a song, consisting of several lines, generally rhymed (noun)
Which one should you use?
While verso can mean a stanza or a verse in a song, in technical prosody it often refers specifically to a single line of poetry.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form is versos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbeɾso/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the phrase echar un verso can mean to flirt or try to seduce someone with sweet words, rather than actually reciting poetry.
- The word verso shares its Latin root with the English word 'verse', but also with 'versus', which is used in law and sports to mean 'against'.
- The expression verso y reverso is used to describe the front and back of a physical object, like a coin or a page. Here, verso refers to the back or reverse side, not a poetic line.
Examples in context
- No puedo recordar cómo empieza el segundo verso.I can't remember how the second verse starts.This sentence is useful for talking about the beginning of the second verso.Tatoeba #4742428 by DarkHollow, translation #4571197 by DarkHollow
- Un epigrama es un dicho corto y agudo en prosa o verso, frecuentemente caracterizado por su acidez o mordacidad, y a veces por su sabiduría.An epigram is a short, sharp saying in prose or verse, frequently characterized by acidity or acerbity and sometimes by wisdom.This sentence uses verso to describe the medium of an epigram.Tatoeba #13009276 by Eremon, translation #3149996 by carlosalberto
- Esa frase es una traducción del primer verso del soneto XVIII de Shakespeare.That sentence is a translation of the first verse of Shakespeare's XVIII sonnet.This sentence shows how to refer to a specific verso within a sonnet.Tatoeba #13827574 by carlosalberto, translation #13827548 by carlosalberto
- El poeta recitó un verso impactante.The poet recited an impactful verse.
- Ese poema está compuesto por seis estrofas.That poem is composed of six stanzas.
- Ese versículo de la Biblia me inspira cada día.That biblical verse inspires me every day.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are discussing a song they are writing.
- Lucía¿Te gusta este verso?Do you like this verse?
- JavierSí, es muy bonito, Lucía.Yes, it is very beautiful, Lucía.
- Lucía¿Crees que rime con el siguiente?Do you think it rhymes with the next one?
- JavierCreo que sí, suena perfecto.I think so, it sounds perfect.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “verse” translations and entries verso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries verso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
