media luna
/medja luna/from spelling rules
The English phrase "crescent moon" is translated into Spanish as media luna.
media luna is used to describe the astronomical phase of the moon during its first or last quarter. It also refers generally to anything with a crescent shape, such as a decorative motif or a specific type of pastry.
Meaning: the moon as it appears in its first or last quarter (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are referring to a single crescent moon in a sentence, use the indefinite article una to form una media luna.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you ask for una media luna in a bakery, you will receive a buttery croissant-style pastry rather than a description of the sky.
- The word luna shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'light', as both stem from the Proto-Indo-European root for 'to shine'.
- In some Latin American regions, media luna is the standard name for a croissant, whereas in Spain, the word cruasán is more frequent.
Examples in context
- La gente se reunió para observar la hermosa creciente lunar en el cieloPeople gathered to observe the beautiful crescent moon in the sky
- En la mitología mexicana, la luna creciente representa el renacimiento y la renovaciónIn Mexican mythology, the crescent moon represents rebirth and renewal
- La media luna brilla en el cielo.The crescent moon shines in the sky.
- Veo una media luna en el cielo.I see a crescent moon in the sky.
- La media luna es muy brillante esta noche.The crescent moon is very bright tonight.
- Dibujé una media luna en mi cuaderno.I drew a crescent moon in my notebook.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are stargazing in a park.
- Mateo¿Ves esa media luna allá arriba?Do you see that crescent moon up there?
- ElenaSí, es muy hermosa, Mateo.Yes, it is very beautiful, Mateo.
- MateoParece una pequeña media luna de plata.It looks like a small silver crescent moon.
- ElenaMe encanta la vista de esta noche.I love the view tonight.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries luna, media, CC BY-SA 4.0.
