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How to Say "siren" in Spanish

English → Spanish

sirena

/see-REH-nah//siˈɾe.na/

nounA2general
Use 'sirena' when referring to the actual audible alarm sound or the device that produces it, typically on emergency vehicles.
A bright red and silver mechanical siren device, typically used as a loud warning alarm, mounted on a simple pole.

Examples

La sirena del coche de policía sonaba fuerte.

The police car's siren sounded loud.

Oímos la sirena de la ambulancia a lo lejos.

We heard the ambulance siren in the distance.

La policía encendió la sirena para pedir paso en el tráfico.

The police turned on the siren to ask for way through the traffic.

La sirena tenía el cabello largo y una hermosa cola verde.

The mermaid had long hair and a beautiful green tail.

Feminine Noun

Since 'sirena' ends in -a, it is feminine and always uses 'la' or 'una' before it.

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.

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.

sirena

/see-REH-nah//siˈɾe.na/

nounB1literary/mythological
Use 'sirena' to refer to the mythological creature, often depicted as a mermaid, known for luring sailors.
A bright red and silver mechanical siren device, typically used as a loud warning alarm, mounted on a simple pole.

Examples

Los marineros temían el canto de la sirena.

The sailors feared the siren's song.

Oímos la sirena de la ambulancia a lo lejos.

We heard the ambulance siren in the distance.

La policía encendió la sirena para pedir paso en el tráfico.

The police turned on the siren to ask for way through the traffic.

La sirena tenía el cabello largo y una hermosa cola verde.

The mermaid had long hair and a beautiful green tail.

Feminine Noun

Since 'sirena' ends in -a, it is feminine and always uses 'la' or 'una' before it.

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.

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.

alarma

ah-LAHR-mah/aˈlaɾma/

nounA1general
Use 'alarma' when referring to a general warning signal or alarm system, such as a fire alarm or a personal alarm clock.
A bright red, round alarm bell mounted on a white wall, clearly vibrating and ringing.

Examples

Sonó la alarma de incendios en el edificio.

The fire alarm sounded in the building.

Puse la alarma para levantarme temprano.

I set the alarm (clock) to get up early.

Si la puerta se abre, la alarma de seguridad saltará.

If the door opens, the security alarm will go off.

Escuchamos la alarma de un coche robado en la calle.

We heard the alarm of a stolen car in the street.

Gender Check

Even though many nouns ending in -a are feminine, 'alarma' is definitely feminine (la alarma), which is easy to remember.

Using 'Reloj'

Mistake: “Using 'reloj de alarma' instead of just 'alarma' or 'despertador'.”

Correction: While 'reloj de alarma' is correct, people usually just say 'la alarma' or use 'el despertador' for the physical clock device.

Sirena vs. Alarma

Learners often confuse 'sirena' and 'alarma'. Remember that 'sirena' specifically refers to the sound or device of an emergency vehicle or the mythical creature, while 'alarma' is a broader term for any warning system or alarm clock.

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