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carnaval

kar-na-BAL/kaɾnaˈβal/

“carnaval” means “carnival” in Spanish (the festive season before Lent).

carnival

Also: festival
NounmA2
SpainColombia
A colorful parade scene with people in vibrant costumes and masks throwing confetti.

📝 In Action

El carnaval de Río de Janeiro es el más grande del mundo.

A1

The Rio de Janeiro carnival is the biggest in the world.

Mucha gente usa máscaras y disfraces durante el carnaval.

A2

Many people wear masks and costumes during the carnival.

Fuimos a Cádiz para ver los desfiles de carnaval.

B1

We went to Cadiz to see the carnival parades.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • cuaresma (Lent (the quiet period after carnival))

Common Collocations

  • desfile de carnaval – carnival parade
  • disfraz de carnaval – carnival costume
  • reina del carnaval – carnival queen

Idioms & Expressions

  • La vida es un carnaval – Life is a party/worth celebrating despite the hardships

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "carnaval" in Spanish:

carnival→festival→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: carnaval

Question 1 of 3

What is the correct way to say 'the carnivals' in Spanish?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
carnavalesco(carnival-like) — Adjective
precarnaval(the period before carnival) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the old Italian 'carnevale', which likely comes from the Latin 'carne vale', meaning 'farewell to meat'. This reflects the tradition of having a final big feast before the fasting of Lent begins.

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: carnivalFrench: carnavalPortuguese: carnaval

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'carnaval' always in February?

Not always, but usually! It is scheduled to end on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, so its date changes every year based on the lunar calendar.

What is the difference between 'feria' and 'carnaval'?

A 'feria' is a general fair or festival that can happen anytime. 'Carnaval' refers specifically to the festive season before Lent.

Is the 'v' in 'carnaval' pronounced like an English 'v'?

No. In Spanish, the 'b' and 'v' sound exactly the same. Between vowels like in this word, it's a soft, breathy sound that is closer to an English 'b' but softer.