cascada
“cascada” means “waterfall” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
waterfall
Also: cascade
📝 In Action
La cascada es muy bonita.
A1The waterfall is very pretty.
Fuimos de excursión para ver la cascada en la montaña.
A2We went on a hike to see the waterfall in the mountain.
El agua de la cascada estaba muy fría pero cristalina.
B1The water from the waterfall was very cold but crystal clear.
cascade
Also: shower / stream
📝 In Action
Su comentario provocó una cascada de risas.
B2His comment sparked a cascade of laughter.
Tenía una cascada de pelo rubio sobre los hombros.
B2She had a cascade of blonde hair over her shoulders.
La noticia generó una cascada de eventos imprevistos.
C1The news generated a sequence of unexpected events.
raspy / cracked
Also: broken
📝 In Action
El abuelo hablaba con una voz cascada.
C1The grandfather spoke with a raspy/cracked voice.
La vieja campana tenía una nota cascada.
C2The old bell had a cracked note.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: cascada
Question 1 of 3
Which word would you use to describe a giant waterfall like Niagara Falls?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Italian word 'cascata', which comes from 'cascare' (to fall). It is ultimately rooted in the Latin 'casicare'.
First recorded: 17th Century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'cascada' only for water?
Not at all! While its primary meaning refers to water, you can use it figuratively for hair, light, laughter, or a series of events (like a 'cascade of problems').
What's the difference between 'cascada' and 'salto de agua'?
'Cascada' is the most common and poetic word. 'Salto de agua' is a bit more descriptive or technical, literally meaning 'water jump'.
Can I use 'cascada' as a verb?
No, 'cascada' is a noun or an adjective. If you want to say 'to cascade', you should use the phrase 'caer en cascada'.