marea
“marea” means “tide” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
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.
surge
Also: wave, flood
📝 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.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: marea
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'marea' in its figurative sense?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word *mare* meaning 'sea.' The word itself developed in Spanish to mean the specific movement of the sea (the tide).
First recorded: Medieval Spanish period (around the 13th century)
Cognates (Related words)
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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).