Contratempo

Contratempo is a term used primarily in Portuguese-language contexts to refer to two related concepts: a rhythmic device in music and, more generally, a setback or delay in everyday language.

In music, contratempo (also spelled contratempos in some traditions) describes a counter-tempo or syncopated accent—placing emphasis on off-beats or between the regular pulses of a metric grid. This rhythmic technique creates tension with the prevailing meter and can produce a lively, propulsive feel. It is a common feature across many genres, including samba, Afro-Brazilian rhythms, funk, reggae, and classical music that employs rhythmic displacement. In practice, examples include accents on the second and fourth beats in 4/4 time or on subdivisions such as the “and” counts between main beats.

Beyond music, contratempo is used in Portuguese to denote an unforeseen obstacle, glitch, or delay that disrupts plans or schedules. In this sense, it is akin to a setback or hitch.

Etymology traces contratempo to contra- “against” and tempo “time,” reflecting its core idea of placing time-related emphasis away from the main beat. The term appears most often in Portuguese, with cognates or close forms found in other Romance languages (e.g., Spanish contratempo/contratiempo, depending on orthography). See also syncopation, offbeat, countertempo, and cross-rhythm for related concepts.