sierra
/syé-rra/
mountain range
Depicting a mountain range (sierra).
sierra(noun)
mountain range
?A long chain of mountains
sierra
?Used in proper names, e.g., Sierra Nevada
,uplands
?A hilly or mountainous region
📝 In Action
Viajamos a la sierra para hacer senderismo el fin de semana.
A2We traveled to the mountain range to go hiking on the weekend.
La Sierra Madre es un sistema montañoso muy extenso en México.
B1The Sierra Madre is a very extensive mountain system in Mexico.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Rule
Even though 'sierra' ends in -a, it is always a feminine noun, so you must use 'la' or 'una' before it.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Noun Meanings
Mistake: "Usar 'sierra' cuando se quiere decir 'montaña' (a single mountain peak)."
Correction: 'Sierra' refers to a whole range or chain of mountains, not usually a single peak. Use 'montaña' for one mountain.
⭐ Usage Tips
Capitalization
When 'sierra' is part of a specific name (like Sierra Nevada), it should be capitalized, just like in English.
Depicting a hand saw (sierra).
sierra(noun)
saw
?Tool for cutting wood or metal
handsaw
?Manual saw
,bandsaw
?Specific type of saw (sierra de cinta)
📝 In Action
Cuidado con la sierra, tiene dientes muy afilados.
B1Be careful with the saw, it has very sharp teeth.
Necesitamos una sierra eléctrica para este proyecto.
B2We need an electric saw for this project.
💡 Grammar Points
Related Verb
The verb associated with this tool is 'serrar' (to saw). If you see 'sierra' used as a verb form (e.g., 'él sierra'), it means 'he/she saws'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Pronunciation
Mistake: "Pronouncing the 'ie' sound separately (si-e-rra)."
Correction: The 'ie' forms a single sound (a diphthong), pronounced quickly like 'sye-rra'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Types of Saws
Spanish often uses a descriptive phrase for different types of saws, such as 'sierra circular' (circular saw) or 'sierra de mano' (handsaw).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: sierra
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'sierra' in its geographical meaning?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'sierra' the same as 'montaña'?
No, not exactly. 'Montaña' refers to a single, isolated mountain or peak. 'Sierra' refers to a long chain or system of mountains—a mountain range. Think of 'montaña' as one tooth, and 'sierra' as the whole saw blade!
How do I know if 'sierra' means a saw or a mountain range?
Context is key! If the sentence mentions tools, carpentry, or cutting, it means 'saw.' If the sentence mentions hiking, climate, or geography, it means 'mountain range.'