Spanish word

serenata

Pronunciation

IPA/seɾeˈnata/

Meaning

  • feminine nounserenade

Example

Anoche le dedicaron una serenata al vecino.

Last night they dedicated a serenade to the neighbor.

Illustration for serenata (serenade)

More examples

¿Quién organiza la serenata para los novios esta noche?

Who is organizing the serenade for the bride and groom tonight?

Core concept

A small group singing beneath a window at night.

Common phrases

  • cantar una serenata

    sing a serenade

  • tocar una serenata

    play a serenade

Similar words

canción: Short song sung by a person.
música: Collection of sounds made by voices or instruments.
concierto: Live musical performance put on for a large audience.
balada: Slow, emotional song often focused on romantic feeling.

Definition in Spanish

Composición o interpretación musical ofrecida como muestra de afecto o celebración, habitualmente ejecutada al aire libre en horas de la noche.

Word origin

Borrowed from Italian serenata and ultimately from Latin serenus 'calm, clear', reflecting music offered in the evening's calm.

Usage tips

  • Usually denotes a private, often romantic night-time performance given to a person, not a public concert like a concierto.

Related words

Word lists with this word