cantas
/kantas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "you sing" is translated into Spanish as cantas.
What does it mean word for word?
The word cantas is formed from the verb stem cant- and the second-person singular present tense suffix -as.
Which one should you use?
Use cantas when speaking to a friend, family member or someone your age, rather than the formal canta usted.
How does it change in a sentence?
cantas is the informal second-person singular conjugation of the verb cantar.
How do you pronounce it?
/kantas/
Did you know?
- The verb cantar is also used idiomatically in many Spanish-speaking countries to mean 'to snitch' or 'to confess' to the police. Thus, depending on the context, 'tú cantas' could mean 'you sing' or 'you are informing on someone'.
- While cantas means 'you sing', the phrase cantar las cuarenta means to tell someone off or give them a piece of your mind.
- The word cantas is a linguistic relative of the English word 'chant'. Both derive from the same ancient root for rhythmic vocalization.
Examples in context
- ¿Cantas en el coro?Do you sing in the choir?This sentence is useful for asking if someone sings in the choir with cantas.Tatoeba #7778042 by alejandra__, translation #6787783 by CK
- Me gusta cómo cantas.I like the way you sing.This sentence is useful for expressing appreciation for the way someone sings with cantas.Tatoeba #1287388 by marcelostockle, translation #953519 by CK
- ¿Nos cantas unas canciones en inglés?Will you sing some English songs for us?This sentence is useful for asking if someone will sing songs for a group with cantas.Tatoeba #2174953 by Shishir, translation #1455172 by CN
- ¿Usted canta profesionalmente?Do you sing professionally?
- ¿Tú cantas en la banda de la escuela?Do you sing in the school band?
- ¿Cantas en alguna banda de música?Do you sing in a band?
- Profe, ¿usted canta en un coro?Teacher, do you sing in a choir?
- Señor Martínez, ¿canta usted en la iglesia?Mr. Martinez, do you sing in the church?
- Oye, tú cantas muy bien.Hey, you sing really well.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are at a karaoke bar.
- JavierSofía, ¿cantas muy bien?Sofía, do you sing very well?
- SofíaSí, pero me da vergüenza.Yes, but I'm embarrassed.
- JavierNo te preocupes, tú cantas increíble.Don't worry, you sing incredibly.
- SofíaGracias, Javier, eres muy amable.Thank you, Javier, you are very kind.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
