marea
/mah-REH-ah/
tide
Visualizing "marea" as the movement of the ocean's water level, or 'tide'.
📝 In Action
La marea sube por la mañana, así que hay que tener cuidado con las toallas.
A2The tide rises in the morning, so you have to be careful with the towels.
La marea baja nos permite caminar hasta la isla.
B1The low tide allows us to walk to the island.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Alert
Even though 'mar' (sea) can sometimes be masculine or feminine, 'marea' (tide) is always feminine and requires feminine articles (la marea).
⭐ Usage Tips
Specific Terms
To be very precise, use 'pleamar' for the absolute highest point of the tide and 'bajamar' for the absolute lowest point.
Visualizing "marea" as a sudden, strong rush or flow, or 'surge'.
📝 In Action
Una marea de aficionados se dirigió al estadio después de la victoria.
B2A wave/flood of fans headed to the stadium after the victory.
Sintió una marea de tristeza al recordar su infancia.
C1She felt a surge of sadness remembering her childhood.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
When used figuratively, 'marea' emphasizes the overwhelming, often unstoppable nature of the group or emotion, much like a real tide.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: marea
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'marea' in its figurative sense?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'mar' and 'marea'?
'Mar' means 'sea' or 'ocean'—the large body of water itself. 'Marea' means 'tide'—the specific, cyclical movement of that water (rising and falling).
Is 'marea' related to 'mareo'?
Yes, they come from the same root. 'Mareo' means 'dizziness' or 'seasickness.' The verb 'marear' means 'to make dizzy' (like being tossed around by the sea) or 'to annoy' (figuratively making someone feel dizzy).