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cántico means chant — a common term in Beautiful Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: February 11, 2026

✨ Beautiful Spanish

cántico

noun • /[KAN-tee-ko]/

chant

Example:

El cántico resonaba en el templo.

The chant echoed in the temple.

🧠 What does cántico mean?

A 'cántico' is a type of song or poem, typically of a solemn, religious, or elevated nature. It translates to 'chant', 'hymn', or 'canticle'. While related to the general word for song, 'canción', a 'cántico' implies a greater sense of praise, reverence, or poetic gravity. It is often used in the context of religious services, classical literature, or to describe formal songs of praise, such as a victory chant for a sports team.

📚 Extra examples

  • El coro entonó un cántico de alabanza durante la misa.
    The choir sang a chant of praise during the mass.
  • El libro de poemas terminaba con un cántico a la naturaleza.
    The book of poems ended with a canticle to nature.
  • Al final del partido, los aficionados unieron sus voces en un cántico de victoria.
    At the end of the match, the fans joined their voices in a victory chant.

💡 Did You Know?

'Cántico' comes from the Latin word 'canticum', which itself derives from 'canere', meaning 'to sing'. This root connects it to many other musical words in both Spanish and English, such as 'cantar' (to sing), 'canción' (song), and the English word 'cantor'.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "cántico"

Synonyms: himno, salmo, canto, alabanza
Opposites: lamento, queja

🔍 See more beautiful spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'chant' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'chant' can be 'cántico', especially for religious or solemn chants. For a sports chant, you might also hear 'canto' or 'himno del equipo'.
How do you pronounce 'cántico' in Spanish?
The word 'cántico' is pronounced KAHN-tee-koh. The stress is on the first syllable, 'cán', which is indicated by the accent mark.
How do you use 'cántico' in a sentence?
An example is: 'Los monjes entonaban un cántico gregoriano al amanecer.' (The monks intoned a Gregorian chant at dawn.)
What is the English translation of 'cántico'?
The English translation of 'cántico' is 'chant', 'hymn', or 'canticle'.
Does 'cántico' change for gender or number?
'Cántico' is a masculine noun. The plural form is 'cánticos'. For example, 'los cánticos religiosos' (the religious chants).
Is 'cántico' common in everyday Spanish?
'Cántico' is not very common in everyday conversation. It is typically used in more formal, literary, or religious contexts. For a regular song, 'canción' is the standard word.
Does 'cántico' have slang or double meanings?
'Cántico' does not have common slang or double meanings. Its meaning is quite specific and formal.
Is 'cántico' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The use of 'cántico' is consistent across Spain and Latin America. It maintains its formal and often religious or poetic connotation in all Spanish-speaking regions.

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