Spanish Conversation · Level 9
90 words
Spanish word
saeta
Pronunciation
IPA/saˈeta/
Meaning
- feminine nounarrow
Example
La saeta alcanzó el blanco.
The arrow hit the target.
More examples
Durante la Semana Santa, se cantó una saeta que conmovió a todos.
During Holy Week, a religious song was sung that moved everyone.
Core concept
A sharp, piercing cry of feeling.
Similar words
flecha: Slender pointed arrow fired from a bow, used in archery and hunting.
dardo: Small pointed projectile thrown by hand to hit a target.
Definition in Spanish
Puede referirse originalmente a una flecha o, en el ámbito cultural español, a una canción religiosa breve y cargada de sentimiento cantada en procesiones.
Word origin
From Latin sagitta 'arrow', the word keeps the idea of something that pierces and so names both a physical arrow and a short, intensely felt religious song.
Usage tips
- Saeta has no written accent and in everyday Spanish a physical arrow is usually called flecha, while saeta primarily refers to the impassioned short song heard in Holy Week processions.
Other meanings
- saetanoun