cigarras
/θiɡaras/from spelling rules
The English word cicadas is translated into Spanish as cigarras.
The term refers to large insects that are well known for the loud, buzzing sounds produced by the males.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many Spanish-speaking regions, the word chicharras is used as a common synonym for cigarras.
How do you pronounce it?
/θiɡaras/
Did you know?
- If you call a person 'una chicharra' in some Spanish-speaking social circles, you are not calling them an insect, but rather accusing them of being an incredibly loud or nonstop talker.
- In some parts of the Spanish-speaking world, a chicharra is a handheld noisemaker used to create a loud, buzzing racket during sports matches or political protests.
- The Spanish word cigarra shares a distant linguistic root with the English word 'cicada' because both derive from the ancient Greek word tsettrix.
Examples in context
- El parque está lleno de cigarras cantando melodiosamenteThe park is full of cicadas singing melodiously.
- El sonido de las chicharras es tan relajanteThe sound of the cicadas is so relaxing.
- Escucho el sonido de las cigarras.I hear the sound of the cicadas.
- Las cigarras hacen mucho ruido en verano.The cicadas make a lot of noise in summer.
- Hay muchas cigarras en ese árbol.There are many cicadas in that tree.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are sitting in a park on a hot afternoon.
- Alejandro¿Oyes a las cigarras?Do you hear the cicadas?
- SofíaSí, son muy ruidosas hoy.Yes, they are very noisy today.
- AlejandroMe encanta el sonido de las cigarras.I love the sound of the cicadas.
- SofíaA mí no me gusta tanto.I don't like it so much.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
