maracas
/maɾakas/from spelling rules
maracas is the Spanish word for the percussion instruments known as maracas.
The term refers to percussion instruments that consist of rattles filled with seeds or beans.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word is a feminine noun. While the plural maracas is commonly used, the singular form is maraca. Because it is feminine, the plural form is used with the article las to form las maracas and the singular is la maraca.
How do you pronounce it?
/maɾakas/
Did you know?
- The word maraca is an adaptation of an indigenous Taino word, reflecting the pre-Columbian musical influence on the Spanish spoken in the Americas.
- In certain Latin American folk traditions, the sound of the maracas is considered a way to communicate with spiritual entities during rituals.
- A Spanish speaker might use the word sonajas to refer to general small rattles that are not specifically the musical instrument known as maracas.
Examples in context
- Me gustaría aprender a tocar las maracas.I would like to learn how to play the maracas.
- Las maracas suenan muy bien.The maracas sound very good.
- Él compró un par de maracas nuevas.He bought a pair of new maracas.
- Necesitamos maracas para la clase de música.We need maracas for the music class.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are preparing for a music rehearsal.
- Lucía¿Dónde están las maracas?Where are the maracas?
- AlejandroEstán sobre la mesa, Lucía.They are on the table, Lucía.
- LucíaGracias, Alejandro.Thanks, Alejandro.
- AlejandroDe nada, vamos a practicar.You're welcome, let's practice.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
