señas
/seɲas/from spelling rules
The English word 'beckoning' can be translated into Spanish as señas.
The term refers to the act of making gestures with the hand or arm to encourage someone to approach or come closer.
How do you pronounce it?
/seɲas/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, if you use your fingers to beckon someone with the palm facing up, it can be perceived as a gesture used only for animals.
- While señas means gestures, the word enseñar meaning 'to teach' comes from the same root because teaching originally meant 'to show' or 'to point out'.
- The word señas is the root of lengua de señas, which is the term used for sign language across the Spanish-speaking world.
Examples in context
- La maestra hizo señas a los estudiantes para que se acercaran al frente.The teacher beckoned the students to come to the front with gestures.
- Llamó a su amigo para que se acercara.He beckoned his friend to come closer.
- Ven, ven, acá.Come, come here.
- Ella me hace señas para que me acerque.She is beckoning me to come closer.
- El camarero nos hace señas desde la mesa.The waiter is beckoning us from the table.
- No me hagas señas así, que no te veo.Don't beckon to me like that, I can't see you.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are at a crowded park.
- AlejandroLucía, ¿por qué me haces señas?Lucía, why are you beckoning to me?
- LucíaEs que te veo desde lejos.It is just that I see you from afar.
- AlejandroVen aquí entonces.Come here then.
- LucíaYa voy, Alejandro.I'm coming, Alejandro.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
