sirena
“sirena” means “siren” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
siren
Also: alarm
📝 In Action
Oímos la sirena de la ambulancia a lo lejos.
A2We heard the ambulance siren in the distance.
La policía encendió la sirena para pedir paso en el tráfico.
B1The police turned on the siren to ask for way through the traffic.
mermaid
Also: siren
📝 In Action
La sirena tenía el cabello largo y una hermosa cola verde.
A2The mermaid had long hair and a beautiful green tail.
Según la leyenda, las sirenas cantaban para atraer a los barcos.
B1According to legend, the sirens sang to attract the ships.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: sirena
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'sirena' is being used in the sentence: 'El sonido era un canto de sirena para los inversores.'
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Latin 'Sirena,' which itself derived from the Greek word 'Seirēn.' In Greek mythology, the Seirēns were dangerous creatures who lured sailors to their doom with their beautiful, captivating music. The modern meaning of the loud warning sound (siren/alarm) was adopted because the device produces a powerful, attention-grabbing sound, much like the mythological creature's song.
First recorded: Ancient Greek/Roman texts, adopted into Spanish during the medieval period.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does one word, 'sirena,' mean both a magical creature and a loud alarm?
They are connected through sound! The mythical Sirens were known for their powerful, irresistible singing that commanded attention. When the first mechanical devices were invented to make a loud, attention-grabbing warning sound, they were named 'sirenas' after the mythological beings.
Is 'sirena' a common word for a man, too?
No. 'Sirena' is always female. If you need to talk about a mythical creature that is half-man and half-fish, the correct Spanish word is 'sireno' or 'tritón' (Triton).