Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| carnaval | /kaɾnaˈbal/ | masculine |
| umisha | /umisa/ (from spelling rules) | Peru, feminine |
| yunsa | /ʝunsa/ (from spelling rules) | Peru, feminine |
| yunce | /ʝunθe/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /ʝunse/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
Peru, feminine |
| carnestolendas | /kaɾnestolendas/ (from spelling rules) | feminine, plural |
The term refers to a festive occasion marked by parades. Within a carnival context, you may encounter related words such as desfile (parade), disfraz (costume), máscara (mask) and comparsa (dance group).
Which one should you use?
While carnaval is the general term, other forms exist for specific traditions. carnestolendas is a plural feminine form used for festivities leading up to Lent. In Peru, umisha, yunsa and yunce are feminine nouns used to refer to specific regional festivities or rituals.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Spanish speakers use different terms depending on the region. In the Canary Islands and parts of Spain, carnestolendas (specifically Fiestas de Carnestolendas) refers to the festivities leading to Lent. In Galicia, the season is called Entroido and in Asturias, it is called Antroxu. In Peru, umisha refers to certain Andean festivities, while yunsa specifically refers to the ritual of the tree-toppling. Some regions also use the term Entrudo to describe older, more traditional forms of carnival.
How does it change in a sentence?
carnaval is a masculine noun and is preceded by the masculine article el to form el carnaval. The forms umisha, yunsa, yunce and carnestolendas are feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaɾnaˈbal/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish traditions, the end of carnaval is marked by the 'burial of the sardine', where a giant sardine is paraded and symbolically buried to mourn the end of the party.
- The word carnaval shares an etymological root with the English word 'carnal', as both stem from the Latin 'carne', meaning 'meat'.
- While carnaval is the standard word, the term entrudo refers to an older style of celebration that involved throwing water, flour and oil at passersby in the street.
Examples in context
- No todos los brasileños disfrutan del Carnaval.Not all Brazilians enjoy Carnival.This sentence shows how to express that not every person enjoys the festivities of carnaval.Tatoeba #4424538 by DarkHollow, translation #4424536 by Objectivesea
- El carnaval terminó con el tradicional entierro de la sardina y la ciudad volvió a la tranquilidad habitual.The carnival finished with the traditional sardine burial and the city returned to its normal peace and quiet.This sentence describes the end of a carnival and the use of the traditional sardine burial ritual with carnaval.Tatoeba #5630490 by arh, translation #8160950 by magnificentgoddess
- El carnaval de Río se celebra en febrero.Rio's carnival is held in February.This sentence provides information about when the Rio carnival is held using carnaval.Tatoeba #1456016 by Espi, translation #328890 by fcbond
- El Carnaval de Río de Janeiro es famoso en todo el mundoThe Carnival of Rio de Janeiro is famous worldwide
- En Portugal, el Entrudo es una celebración popular asociada con el carnavalIn Portugal, Entrudo is a popular celebration associated with carnival
- Las Fiestas de Carnestolendas en Las Palmas de Gran Canaria son muy popularesThe Carnestolendas Festivals in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria are very popular
- El Entroido en Galicia destaca por sus máscaras y fiestas popularesThe Entroido in Galicia is known for its masks and popular parties
- Oviedo es famosa por su Antroxu, una fiesta de carnaval llena de color y diversiónOviedo is famous for its Antroxu, a carnival party full of color and fun
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Javier are talking about holiday plans in a cafe.
- María¿Vas a ir al carnaval este año?Are you going to the carnival this year?
- JavierSí, quiero ver los desfiles.Yes, I want to see the parades.
- María¡Qué bien! Yo también iré contigo.That's great! I will go with you too.
- JavierEntonces nos vemos en el carnaval.Then I will see you at the carnival.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “carnival” translations and entries carnaval, carnestolendas, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries carnaval, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
