citronela
/θitɾonela/from spelling rules
The English word citronella is translated into Spanish as citronela.
citronela refers to the type of grass known as citronella.
Meaning: grass (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
As a feminine noun, citronela requires the feminine article la when used with a definite article (e.g., la citronela).
How do you pronounce it?
/θitɾonela/
Did you know?
- While citronela is used for the plant, Spanish speakers often use limoncillo when referring to the same botanical family as a culinary ingredient.
- Although the Spanish word citronela looks almost identical to the English 'citronella', it is actually a direct descendant of the French word citronnelle.
- In Spanish, citronela is the name for the plant, but people often use the term repelente de citronela to refer to the scented oils and candles used to keep mosquitoes away.
Examples in context
- La citronela ayuda a espantar mosquitos.Citronella helps to repel mosquitoes.
- Compré una vela de citronela para el jardín.I bought a citronella candle for the garden.
- El olor de la citronela es muy fuerte.The smell of citronella is very strong.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are sitting on their patio on a summer evening.
- JavierHay muchos mosquitos esta noche, Elena.There are many mosquitoes tonight, Elena.
- ElenaVoy a encender la citronela ahora mismo.I'm going to light the citronella right now.
- JavierGracias, eso nos ayudará mucho.Thanks, that will help us a lot.
- ElenaDe nada, Javier, espero que funcione.You're welcome, Javier, I hope it works.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries citronela, CC BY-SA 4.0.
