cola de sirena
/kola de siɾena/from spelling rules
The English phrase "mermaid tail" is translated into Spanish as cola de sirena.
The phrase refers to the fish-like lower body part of a mythical creature that is half-human and half-fish.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of cola (tail), de (of) and sirena (mermaid).
Which one should you use?
While cola de sirena is the standard term, use cola de tritón if you are specifically referring to a merman tail. You may also use colita de sirena to mean "little mermaid tail".
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, you pluralize the noun cola to colas while the noun sirena remains singular, resulting in colas de sirena.
How do you pronounce it?
/kola de siɾena/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the term cola de sirena can also be used as a technical term in fashion to describe a flared skirt or dress that mimics the shape of a mermaid's tail.
- The term sirena is not just a mythical creature but is also the standard Spanish word for a police or ambulance siren.
- In some Spanish-speaking contexts, 'cola' can refer to a 'line' or 'queue' of people, which is an entirely different usage than a physical tail.
Examples in context
- La cola de sirena es hermosaThe mermaid tail is beautiful
- Mirá mi nueva colita de sirenaLook at my new mermaid tail
- El espectáculo acuático presenta una fascinante cola de sirena.The water show features a fascinating mermaid tail.
- ¡Mira mi nueva colita de sirena, estoy lista para nadar con estilo!Look at my new mermaid tail, I'm ready to swim in style!
- La bailarina lleva una cola de sirena de color azul.The dancer is wearing a blue mermaid tail.
- Ese disfraz tiene una cola de sirena muy brillante.That costume has a very shiny mermaid tail.
- Dibujé una cola de sirena en la arena.I drew a mermaid tail in the sand.
Example conversation
María and Javier are looking at a child's costume at a shop.
- María¿Te gusta esa cola de sirena rosa?Do you like that pink mermaid tail?
- JavierSí, es muy bonita para ella.Yes, it is very pretty for her.
- MaríaLa cola de sirena parece muy suave.The mermaid tail looks very soft.
- JavierEs verdad, es un disfraz fantástico.True, it is a fantastic costume.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
