cantar means to sing — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.
📅 Published: September 23, 2025
cantar
verb • /[can-TAR]/
to sing
Example:
Me gusta cantar solos.
I like to sing alone.
🧠 What does cantar mean?
While 'cantar' generally means 'to sing' in Spanish, in Mexican slang, it can also mean 'to snitch,' 'to rat someone out,' or 'to confess to the authorities,' often implying betrayal. Think of it like 'singing like a canary.'
📚 Extra examples
- Juan cantó a la policía sobre el robo.
Juan snitched to the police about the robbery. - No le cantes a la maestra.
Don't tell on me to the teacher. - Si cantas, te las verás conmigo.
If you snitch, you'll have to deal with me.
💡 Did You Know?
The slang usage of 'cantar' likely comes from the image of a canary singing in a cage, revealing secrets.
🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "cantar"
Synonyms: chiflar, delatar, acusar
Opposites: callar
🔍 See more mexican slang words
❓ FAQ
How do you say 'to sing' in Spanish?
The standard way to say 'to sing' in Spanish is 'cantar.' However, depending on the context, other verbs like 'tararear' (to hum) or 'entonar' (to intone) might be more appropriate.
How do you pronounce 'cantar' in Spanish?
It's pronounced kan-TAHR, with the stress on the last syllable.
How do you use 'cantar' in a sentence?
You can use 'cantar' in many ways! For the standard meaning, 'Me gusta cantar en la ducha' (I like to sing in the shower). For the slang meaning, 'Él cantó y nos metió en problemas' (He snitched and got us in trouble).
What is the English translation of 'cantar'?
'Cantar' usually translates to 'to sing.' In Mexican slang, it means 'to snitch' or 'to rat someone out.'
Does 'cantar' change for gender or number?
No, 'cantar' itself doesn't change for gender. However, it does conjugate based on the subject pronoun and tense.
Is 'cantar' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, both meanings are fairly common, but it's crucial to understand the context. The slang meaning is more common in informal settings.
Does 'cantar' have slang or double meanings?
Yes, as mentioned, in Mexican slang, it can mean 'to snitch' or 'to confess,' often implying betrayal.
Is 'cantar' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The slang meaning of 'cantar' is more prevalent in Mexican Spanish. While other Latin American countries might understand it, it's not as common. In Spain, 'cantar' is primarily used to mean 'to sing'.
How do you conjugate 'cantar' in Spanish?
Here's a simple present tense conjugation:
Yo canto (I sing)
Tú cantas (You sing)
Él/Ella/Usted canta (He/She/You formal sing)
Nosotros/Nosotras cantamos (We sing)
Vosotros/Vosotras cantáis (You all sing - Spain)
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes cantan (They/You all sing)
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