Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| lirio | /ˈliɾjo/ | masculine |
| azucena | /aθuˈθena/ /asuˈsena/ |
feminine |
Both words refer to flowers in the genus Lilium. Lirio is a general term for the lily, while azucena often carries a more specific connotation of white lilies and religious or symbolic purity.
Which one should you use?
Lirio is a masculine noun used as a general term for the lily and is also the word used for the iris plant in many contexts. In contrast, azucena is a feminine noun specifically used to refer to white lilies or to evoke a sense of purity. Additionally, in some regions, the phrase flor de lis may be used to refer to the iris flower rather than a lily.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain Latin American countries, such as Mexico and Argentina, lirio tends to be the preferred term for lily in casual conversations.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the feminine azucena is azucenas, and the plural form of the masculine lirio is lirios.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈliɾjo/
Did you know?
- The word azucena has a journey that spans continents, traveling from Ancient Egyptian origins through Middle Persian and Arabic before reaching Spanish.
Examples in context
- La blancura de la azucena es un símbolo de pureza.The whiteness of the lily is a symbol of purity.This sentence shows how azucena is used as a symbol of purity.Tatoeba #1289149 by marcelostockle, translation #30097 by AlanF_US
- Maria recibió un ramo de azucenas blancas en su cumpleaños.Maria received a bouquet of white lilies on her birthday.
- El jardín estaba lleno de hermosas flores de azucena.The garden was filled with beautiful lily flowers.
- Me encantan los lirios amarillos, siempre alegran mi día.I love yellow lilies, they always brighten up my day.
- Ese lirio tiene un aroma muy dulce.That lily has a very sweet scent.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are at a flower shop.
- LucíaMateo, ¿te gusta este lirio?Mateo, do you like this lily?
- MateoSí, es un lirio muy hermoso.Yes, it is a very beautiful lily.
- LucíaCompraré este para el centro de mesa.I will buy this one for the centerpiece.
- MateoBuena idea, Lucía.Good idea, Lucía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lily” translations and entries lirio, azucena, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries azucena, lirio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
