caléndula
/kaˈlendula/
The Spanish word for marigold is caléndula.
caléndula refers to the marigold plant (Tagetes). The word Caléndula may be used formally to indicate marigolds, though it is also the name for the pot marigold.
Meaning: Tagetes (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some parts of Mexico, marigolds are specifically known as cempasúchil.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of caléndula is caléndulas.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaˈlendula/
When do people say it?
The phrase flores de cempasúchil is associated with Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico and Latin America.
Did you know?
- The name caléndula shares its roots with the English word 'calendar' because both derive from the Latin word for the first day of the month.
- The word cempasúchil is a combination of the Nahuatl words for 'flower' and 'twenty', originally referring to a flower with twenty petals.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the scent of cempasúchil is believed to guide the souls of the deceased back to the world of the living during 'Día de los Muertos'.
Examples in context
- Me encantan las flores de cempasúchil. Son tan coloridas y hermosas.I love marigolds. They are so colorful and beautiful.
- Las caléndulas son flores increíblemente resistentes y fáciles de cuidar.Marigolds are incredibly hardy and easy to care for.
- La caléndula tiene un color naranja muy brillante.The marigold has a very bright orange color.
- Compré una caléndula para mi jardín.I bought a marigold for my garden.
- Esta caléndula huele muy bien.This marigold smells very good.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are in a flower shop.
- Alejandro¿Te gusta esta caléndula, María?Do you like this marigold, María?
- MaríaSí, es una caléndula preciosa.Yes, it is a beautiful marigold.
- AlejandroLa voy a poner en el jarrón.I am going to put it in the vase.
- MaríaQuedará muy bien en la mesa.It will look very good on the table.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry caléndula, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caléndula, CC BY-SA 4.0.
