Did Disney’s movie Encanto leave you humming—and wondering?
Are you curious about what the Spanish word encanto means? Encanto has several meanings, all of which relate to the movie, including a surprising history.
What does encanto mean in Spanish?
First, the noun encanto in Spanish means “charm.” A small town with beautiful historical buildings might be full of charm and could be described as an encanto. This means the unique town and people in Disney’s Encanto are an encanto.
The island of Puerto Rico is known by its popular nickname Isla del Encanto (or the “Island of Enchantment”). And while Encanto the movie is based in Colombia, many Spanish speakers in the audience will be familiar with this reference to a common nickname for Puerto Rico. This meaning of encanto can also be used to compliment someone—You’re such a sweetheart, or “Eres un encanto.”
Encanto also means “spell,” which is definitely a fitting definition for the magical Madrigal family in the Disney movie as well. Each family member is given a magical gift, and the Madrigal house is also in itself magical. Encanto also includes elements of magic realism, a literary genre frequently used in Latin America and known for its “images or scenes of surreal fantasy,” which are depicted in a representational or realistic way.
Encantar is a verb related to encanto. It means “to bewitch or cast a spell on.” You might also use it to say you’ve been enchanted by something: “me encanta la película,” or I love the movie. And yes, when you’re introduced to someone in Spanish, you can reply with an “encantada” or “encantado.” This means you’re delighted to meet them.
Where does the word encanto come from?
There’s one more Easter egg for clever movie (and word) fans hidden here: the word comes from the Latin incantō (“I sing”), or incantāre, meaning “to sing” (often as part of a magical spell). The words enchant and enchanted are also derived from the same Latin verb, which can also mean “to spell.” But it’s the alternate definition (“to sing”) that takes us back to the Disney movie, where all the characters are definitely charming singers as well.
That’s simply enchanting!
