Spanish Conversation · Level 117
59 words
Spanish word
sirena
Pronunciation
IPA/siˈɾena/
Meaning
- feminine nounsiren
Example
La sirena sonó y la gente salió del edificio.
The siren sounded and people left the building.
More examples
Durante el ensayo, hicieron sonar la sirena para comprobar el sistema.
During the drill, they sounded the siren to check the system.
Core concept
Loud continuous alarm sound or the apparatus used to warn of danger.
Common phrases
hacer sonar la sirena
sound the siren
probar la sirena
test the siren
Similar words
alarma: Automatic or manual alarm system that signals danger or abnormal conditions.
bocina: Short, loud horn on a vehicle or machine that emits a brief warning blast.
timbre: Small door or building bell that produces a short chime when pressed.
silbato: Small handheld whistle blown to give a sharp, high-pitched warning sound.
Definition in Spanish
Sonido agudo y prolongado emitido por un aparato para avisar de un peligro o llamar la atención; por extensión, el propio aparato.
Word origin
From Greek σειρήν (seirēnē) via Latin, where the mythic creature's alluring call gives the word a general sense of a striking warning sound and the apparatus that produces it.
Usage tips
- Sirena also commonly means 'mermaid' in Spanish, so context or phrases like la sirena de la ambulancia make clear that the reference is to an alarm.