plena
“plena” means “full” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
full, complete
Also: total, in the middle of
📝 In Action
La junta directiva tiene plena autoridad para decidir.
B1The board of directors has complete authority to decide.
Estábamos en plena calle cuando empezó a llover.
A2We were right in the middle of the street when it started raining.
Ella vive en plena felicidad desde que se mudó.
B2She lives in total happiness since she moved.
plena
Also: sung newspaper
📝 In Action
La plena es un género musical tradicional de Puerto Rico, con ritmos muy alegres.
C1Plena is a traditional musical genre from Puerto Rico, with very cheerful rhythms.
Los instrumentos principales de la plena son las panderetas.
C1The main instruments of the plena are the tambourines.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: plena
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'plena' as an adjective?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word *plenus*, meaning 'full' or 'complete.' The musical genre 'plena' developed independently in Puerto Rico, likely related to the idea of a 'full' gathering or 'full' sound.
First recorded: Medieval Spanish (as 'pleno')
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
When do I use 'plena' instead of 'completa'?
While both mean 'complete,' 'plena' is often used for abstract ideas like 'plena autoridad' (complete authority) or to describe something occurring at its maximum point, like 'en plena luz del día' (in broad daylight). 'Completa' is used more often for physical things, like 'una lista completa' (a complete list).