andantino: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Formal
Quick answer
What does “andantino” mean?
A tempo marking in music indicating a pace slightly faster than 'andante' (walking pace).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tempo marking in music indicating a pace slightly faster than 'andante' (walking pace).
A musical composition or movement to be played at a moderately fast, graceful pace. Sometimes used descriptively for other contexts implying a measured, graceful briskness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage between UK and US English. It is a standardized Italian musical term used identically.
Connotations
Conveys sophistication, classical music knowledge, and a precise sense of tempo and mood.
Frequency
Equally rare in general language in both varieties, confined almost exclusively to musical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “andantino” in a Sentence
The [musical piece/section] is played andantino.The composer marked the second movement 'Andantino'.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “andantino” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- This passage should be andantinoed, not rushed.
American English
- The conductor wants us to andantino through the bridge.
adverb
British English
- Play this andantino, with a light touch.
American English
- Take it andantino, not too slowly.
adjective
British English
- The andantino section requires careful phrasing.
American English
- She mastered the andantino rhythm perfectly.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in musicology, performance practice, and score analysis.
Everyday
Extremely rare. May be used by musicians in casual conversation about music.
Technical
Standard term in musical notation, performance instructions, and criticism.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “andantino”
- Using it to mean 'very slow'.
- Using it in non-musical contexts where 'leisurely' or 'brisk' would be appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In modern musical practice, 'andantino' is almost universally understood to be slightly faster than 'andante' (walking pace). Historically, some composers used it to mean slightly slower, but this is now rare.
Its use outside of music is extremely rare and would be considered a stylistic or metaphorical affectation, perhaps in poetic or descriptive writing to suggest a graceful, measured briskness.
No, it is a relative term. While 'andante' is often suggested to be around 76-108 BPM, 'andantino' would be slightly above that range, but the exact tempo is subject to interpretation, period, and context.
It is an Italian word, the diminutive form of 'andante', which comes from 'andare' meaning 'to walk'. Literally, it means 'a little walking'.
A tempo marking in music indicating a pace slightly faster than 'andante' (walking pace).
Andantino is usually technical / formal in register.
Andantino: in British English it is pronounced /ˌændænˈtiːnəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɑːndɑːnˈtiːnoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is a technical term and does not feature in idiomatic expressions.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a dainty TIN dinosaur ('andantino') walking slightly faster than usual – it's moderately paced but with a little extra speed.
Conceptual Metaphor
MOVEMENT IS TEMPO; A MUSICAL PIECE IS A JOURNEY (a section of the journey taken at a brisk walk).
Practice
Quiz
What does the musical term 'andantino' primarily indicate?