Spanish Phrase
Un cantante de ópera famoso
Meaning
This phrase literally translates to "A singer of opera famous." It describes a male individual who performs opera and is well-known. In Spanish, adjectives typically follow the noun they describe, as seen with "famoso" coming after "cantante."
When to use
You would use this phrase to refer to a male opera singer who is widely recognized or celebrated for his talent. It can be used in conversations about music, arts, or when discussing specific individuals in the opera world. For example, you might say it when talking about Plácido Domingo or Luciano Pavarotti.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Uncantantedeóperafamoso
Un (article)
'Un' is the masculine singular indefinite article, meaning 'a' or 'an'. It is used before masculine singular nouns, like 'cantante' when referring to a male singer.
Cantante (noun)
'Cantante' means 'singer'. It's a noun that can be both masculine ('el cantante') and feminine ('la cantante'). In this phrase, 'un' indicates it refers to a male singer.
De (preposition)
'De' is a common preposition meaning 'of' or 'from'. Here, it connects 'cantante' to 'ópera', specifying the type of singer: 'singer of opera'.
Ópera (noun)
'Ópera' is a feminine noun meaning 'opera'. It's used here to specify the genre of music the singer performs.
Famoso (adjective)
'Famoso' is an adjective meaning 'famous'. In Spanish, adjectives typically follow the noun they describe and must agree in gender and number. Here, 'famoso' is masculine singular to match 'cantante'.
🗨In Conversation
¿Conoces a Plácido Domingo?
Do you know Plácido Domingo?
Sí, claro. Es un cantante de ópera famoso.
Yes, of course. He is a famous opera singer.
✕Common Mistakes
Una cantante de ópera famoso
While 'cantante' can be masculine or feminine, the article 'un' or 'una' and the adjective 'famoso' or 'famosa' must agree in gender with the person being described. If the singer is male, use 'un' and 'famoso'.
Un cantante de ópera famosa
The adjective 'famoso' must agree in gender with the noun 'cantante' (when referring to a male singer). 'Famosa' is feminine, so it's incorrect here.
↔Alternatives
Un célebre cantante de ópera
A celebrated opera singer
Una estrella de la ópera
An opera star
Un tenor de renombre
A renowned tenor
Cultural Tip
Opera has a rich history and strong following in many Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in Spain, Mexico, and Argentina. Cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Buenos Aires boast grand opera houses and have produced world-renowned singers. Referring to someone as 'famoso' (famous) is a common and direct way to acknowledge their public recognition, without implying any specific level of formality.