Lala
/lala/from spelling rules
Lala is a proper name in Spanish used to refer to a specific person.
As a proper name, Lala is used to identify an individual. In informal contexts, tra-la-la is used to mimic the sound of someone humming or singing absentmindedly and lalala is used to mimic the sound of casually singing or humming.
How do you pronounce it?
/lala/
Did you know?
- In Mexico, La La is a common shorthand for La vaca Lala, a famous brand of milk whose mascot is a cow. Because of this, saying Lala in a grocery store context often refers to the brand rather than a person.
- In certain Latin American contexts, 'Lala' can serve as a diminutive or pet name for names like Dolores, though this is highly regional.
- In some Caribbean Spanish dialects, repetitive syllables like la la are used as rhythmic fillers in improvised music, similar to how English speakers might use 'da da da' in jazz.
Examples in context
- Ayer estuve caminando y me puse a tararear 'tra-la-la'Yesterday, I was walking and started humming 'tra-la-la'
- En la fiesta, todos empezaron a cantar las canciones con un alegre 'lalala'At the party, everyone started singing the songs with a cheerful 'lalala'
- Lala es mi mejor amiga.Lala is my best friend.
- Ayer llamé a Lala por teléfono.I called Lala on the phone yesterday.
- ¿Viste a Lala en la fiesta?Did you see Lala at the party?
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are talking about their mutual friend at a cafe.
- Elena¿Sabes algo de Lala?Do you know anything about Lala?
- JavierNo, no he hablado con ella.No, I haven't spoken with her.
- ElenaLala me dijo que vendría hoy.Lala told me she would come today.
- JavierEntonces espero que llegue pronto.Then I hope she arrives soon.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
