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cuna

KOO-nahˈku.na

“cuna” means “crib” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

crib, cot

Also: cradle
NounfA1
A simple, light wooden crib with high rails and soft white bedding inside.

📝 In Action

El bebé está durmiendo tranquilamente en su cuna.

A1

The baby is sleeping peacefully in their crib.

Necesitamos armar la cuna antes de que llegue el recién nacido.

A2

We need to set up the cot before the newborn arrives.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • camita (little bed)

Common Collocations

  • mecer la cuna – to rock the cradle
  • cuna de viaje – travel cot/pack-n-play

cradle, birthplace

Also: origin
NounfB2formal
A single, bright green seedling rooted in dark soil, resting inside a simple, protective wooden bowl structure.

📝 In Action

Sevilla es considerada la cuna del flamenco.

B2

Seville is considered the cradle (birthplace) of flamenco.

Aunque de cuna humilde, el artista conquistó el mundo.

C1

Although from humble beginnings (a humble cradle), the artist conquered the world.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • la cuna de la democracia – the cradle of democracy

Idioms & Expressions

  • ser de buena cuna – to be born into a good/wealthy family

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "cuna" in Spanish:

birthplace→cot→cradle→crib→origin→

✏️ 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

👥 Word Family▼
acunar(to rock (a baby)) — Verb
cunero(nursery attendant (male)) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes directly from the Latin word *cūna*, which also meant 'cradle' or 'bed for a child.' It has been used in Spanish since the Middle Ages.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: cullaPortuguese: cuna

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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.'