romance

romance, ballad

noun rroh-MAHN-seh Rare

Origin: From Latin romanice, in the Roman vernacular.

Also means

Romance (language)

Usage Note

Romance in Spanish primarily means a short narrative ballad (romancero is the collection of such ballads from medieval Iberia), or a romantic feeling or relationship. As an adjective, lenguas romances means Romance languages. The literary ballad sense is more prominent in Spanish than in English.

Examples

"El juglar cantó un antiguo romance junto al fuego."

Natural Translation

The minstrel sang an old ballad by the fire.

Related Words

Explore Spanish by topic

SpanishNow

How to Say "I Like" in Spanish: Gustar Without the Confusion

Say I like in Spanish with gustar the right way: me gusta vs me gustan, why it's never yo gusto, the pronouns, articles, and five verbs that copy the pattern.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

The Spanish Cheek Kiss: Greeting Etiquette by Country

Two kisses in Spain, one in most of Latin America. Master the Spanish cheek kiss greeting — which cheek first, the air-kiss mechanics, and when to shake hands.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Spanish Reflexive Verbs: Me, Te, Se Made Clear

Spanish reflexive verbs use me, te, se for actions you do to yourself. Master the daily-routine pattern, pronoun placement, and shifts like dormir vs dormirse.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Te Quiero vs Te Amo: Saying "I Love You" in Spanish

Te quiero vs te amo, explained: te quiero is the warm, safe everyday I love you; te amo is deeper and more romantic. A relationship-by-relationship map.

June 3, 2026 6 min read