cala
/kala/from spelling rules
The English word "cove" is translated into Spanish as cala.
A cala refers to a small, sheltered bay or cove with calm waters, often surrounded by cliffs or picturesque landscapes.
Meaning: small coastal inlet, especially one having high cliffs protecting vessels from prevailing winds (noun)
Which one should you use?
While cala refers to a small, often narrow or secluded cove, bahía is used for a larger bay.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of cala is calas.
How do you pronounce it?
/kala/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, cala is a homonym for the 'calla lily' flower. This means the word for a secluded beach is spelled and pronounced exactly like a popular funeral and wedding flower.
- While cala refers to the physical inlet, the verb calar has evolved to mean 'to soak through' or 'to penetrate', as if the water is sinking into a material.
- The Spanish word cala can be traced back to the Ancient Greek word khaláō, which means 'to loosen'.
Examples in context
- La cala escondida es un lugar ideal para disfrutar de una tarde tranquila en la playa.The hidden cove is an ideal place to enjoy a peaceful afternoon at the beach.
- Visitamos la hermosa cala durante nuestras vacaciones en Mallorca.We visited the beautiful cove during our vacation in Mallorca.
- Pasamos el día disfrutando del sol en una pequeña ensenada escondida.We spent the day enjoying the sun in a hidden cove.
- La cala es muy tranquila.The cove is very calm.
- Encontramos una cala de aguas cristalinas.We found a cove with crystal clear waters.
- Esa cala está protegida por los acantilados.That cove is protected by the cliffs.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are walking along a coastline during a summer vacation.
- Javier¿Ves esa pequeña cala allá?Do you see that small cove over there?
- ElenaSí, parece un lugar perfecto para nadar.Yes, it looks like a perfect place to swim.
- JavierBajemos a la cala ahora mismo.Let's go down to the cove right now.
- Elena¡Me encanta la idea, Javier!I love the idea, Javier!
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.
