sirena
/see-REH-nah/
siren
Sirena: A loud warning device, or siren.
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Feminine Noun
Since 'sirena' ends in -a, it is feminine and always uses 'la' or 'una' before it.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Sirena and Alarma
Mistake: "Using 'alarma' when specifically referring to the physical loud device on a vehicle."
Correction: 'Alarma' is usually the general warning system (like a car or house alarm), while 'sirena' is the loud, wailing noise maker, especially on emergency vehicles.
⭐ Usage Tips
Sound Focus
'Sirena' emphasizes the loud, piercing sound used to warn or clear the way.
Sirena: A mythical creature, or mermaid.
sirena(noun)
mermaid
?mythical creature, half-woman, half-fish
siren
?mythological creature that lures sailors
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Mythology Connection
In Spanish, the same word 'sirena' refers both to the half-fish creature (mermaid) and the dangerous Greek mythological figures (sirens) known for their captivating songs.
⭐ Usage Tips
Figurative Use
You can use 'canto de sirena' (siren song) metaphorically to describe something tempting or deceptive that draws people in.
✏️ 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
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).