atrapasueños
/atɾapasweɲos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "dream catcher" is translated into Spanish as atrapasueños.
A dream catcher is a decorative object made to filter out bad dreams and allow only good ones to reach the sleeper.
What does it mean word for word?
The word atrapasueños is a compound of atrapa (he/she/it catches) and sueños (dreams).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Puerto Rico, the term filtro de sueños is sometimes used to refer to a dream catcher.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, you change the definite article to los (e.g., los atrapasueños) rather than changing the noun itself.
How do you pronounce it?
/atɾapasweɲos/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word sueño can mean both 'dream' and 'sleep' or 'sleepiness'. This means atrapasueños could be jokingly interpreted as a 'sleep-catcher' for someone who cannot wake up.
- The structure of atrapasueños is identical to how Spanish creates words for household appliances, such as lavaplatos for 'dishwasher' or sacacorchos for 'corkscrew'.
- If you were to describe a person who catches dreams, you would use the exact same word, atrapasueños, as Spanish often uses these compounds for both objects and personified roles.
Examples in context
- Me encantaría tener un atrapasueños en mi habitación.I would love to have a dream catcher in my room.
- Hermoso cazador de sueños, ¿dónde lo compraste?Beautiful dream catcher, where did you buy it?
- ¿Has visto esa linda red para atrapar sueños en la feria artesanal?Have you seen that cute net for catching dreams at the craft fair?
- Colgué un atrapasueños en mi habitación.I hung a dream catcher in my room.
- Ese atrapasueños tiene plumas muy bonitas.That dream catcher has very beautiful feathers.
- Compré un atrapasueños de regalo para ella.I bought a dream catcher as a gift for her.
Example conversation
Javier and María are looking at a gift in a souvenir shop.
- Javier¿Te gusta este atrapasueños?Do you like this dream catcher?
- MaríaSí, es un atrapasueños precioso.Yes, it is a beautiful dream catcher.
- JavierPodría ser un buen regalo para tu hermana.It could be a good gift for your sister.
- MaríaTienes razón, le encantará.You are right, she will love it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
