cuna
/KOO-nah/
crib
In US English, 'cuna' translates directly to 'crib', meaning a baby's bed.
cuna(noun)
crib
?US English, baby's bed
,cot
?UK English, baby's bed
cradle
?a rocking bed for a baby
📝 In Action
El bebé está durmiendo tranquilamente en su cuna.
A1The baby is sleeping peacefully in their crib.
Necesitamos armar la cuna antes de que llegue el recién nacido.
A2We need to set up the cot before the newborn arrives.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Reminder
Even though it ends in 'a,' cuna is a feminine noun, so you always use feminine articles: la cuna (the crib) or una cuna (a crib).
Figuratively, 'cuna' can mean 'cradle', referring to the source or origin of something, like a birthplace or homeland.
cuna(noun)
cradle
?figurative source or origin
,birthplace
?figurative origin of a concept
origin
?source of development
📝 In Action
Sevilla es considerada la cuna del flamenco.
B2Seville is considered the cradle (birthplace) of flamenco.
Aunque de cuna humilde, el artista conquistó el mundo.
C1Although from humble beginnings (a humble cradle), the artist conquered the world.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
When cuna is used this way, it refers less to a physical object and more to the starting point or social background where someone or something important was created or developed.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: cuna
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'cuna' is used in the phrase: 'Esta ciudad es la cuna de los grandes músicos'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Es 'cuna' una palabra de doble género?
No, *cuna* es un sustantivo que siempre es femenino. Siempre decimos *la cuna* (the crib), sin importar si nos referimos al objeto o al origen figurado.
How do I say 'rock the baby to sleep' using 'cuna'?
You would use the verb *mecer* (to rock) with the noun: *mecer la cuna* or *acunar al bebé*. The verb *acunar* is directly related to *cuna* and means 'to cradle' or 'to lull.'