corrientes de resaca
/korjentes de ɾesaka/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the phrase for "rip currents" is corrientes de resaca.
This phrase describes strong, narrow channels of water that flow away from the shore and back into the ocean. It is a common phrase found on beach warning signs to alert swimmers to the danger, often appearing as ¡Cuidado con las corrientes de resaca!
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of corrientes (currents) and de resaca (of undertow/backwash).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, locals might informally refer to rip currents simply as resacas.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a single rip current, use the singular form corriente de resaca.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking coastal areas, the word resaca can also be used to describe a hangover. This is because both a hangover and a rip current involve a sense of 'recoil' or 'backwash' from a previous state of intensity.
- The word resaca originally referred to the process of distilling liquids through evaporation. It comes from the verb resacar, which means to extract or distill something.
- While corrientes de resaca is the standard term, some coastal regions use corriente de retorno to emphasize the water's movement back to the sea.
Examples in context
- Por favor, manténgase alejado de las corrientes de resaca. Son muy peligrosas y pueden arrastrarlo mar adentro.Please stay away from the rip currents. They are very dangerous and can drag you out to sea.
- Hay corrientes de resaca en esta zona.There are rip currents in this area.
- Ten cuidado con las corrientes de resaca.Be careful with the rip currents.
- Las corrientes de resaca pueden ser peligrosas.Rip currents can be dangerous.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are at the beach looking at the ocean.
- Alejandro¿Es seguro nadar hoy?Is it safe to swim today?
- LucíaNo, hay corrientes de resaca hoy.No, there are rip currents today.
- AlejandroGracias por avisarme, Lucía.Thanks for letting me know, Lucía.
- LucíaDe nada, Alejandro, la seguridad es lo primero.You're welcome, Alejandro, safety comes first.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, resaca, CC BY-SA 4.0.
