cala
/kala/from spelling rules
The Spanish word for calla lily is cala.
cala refers to a type of flowering plant known for its large, white, trumpet-shaped blooms.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /kala/.
Did you know?
- In Mexico, calas are a centerpiece of the Day of the Dead celebrations, where they are often paired with cempasúchil to guide spirits back to the world of the living.
- While cala is the common name, the plant is often called alcatraz in several Latin American countries, a word that also refers to a high rocky cliff.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the word cala can also refer to a small, shallow bay or an anchorage. This connection comes from the nautical verb calar, which means to let down an anchor.
Examples in context
- Me encanta la elegancia del lirio de cala.I love the elegance of the calla lily.
- ¿Has visto los alcatraces en el jardín? Están preciosos.Have you seen the calla lilies in the garden? They are beautiful.
- La cala es muy elegante.The calla lily is very elegant.
- Compré una cala blanca para el jarrón.I bought a white calla lily for the vase.
- Esa cala tiene un aroma suave.That calla lily has a soft scent.
Example conversation
Javier and María are visiting a flower shop.
- JavierMira, María, esa cala es preciosa.Look, María, that calla lily is beautiful.
- MaríaTienes razón, es perfecta para el jarrón.You are right, it is perfect for the vase.
- Javier¿Crees que deberíamos llevar dos?Do you think we should take two?
- MaríaSí, Javier, llevemos dos calas.Yes, Javier, let's take two calla lilies.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cala, CC BY-SA 4.0.
