dunas de arena
/dunas de aɾena/from spelling rules
Sand dunes in Spanish is dunas de arena.
This phrase refers to hills of sand formed by the wind, which are typically found in deserts or along beaches.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of dunas (dunes) and de arena (of sand).
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form for a single sand dune is duna de arena.
How do you pronounce it?
/dunas de aɾena/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word arena is a direct relative of the English word 'arena'. In Latin, arena referred specifically to the sand used to cover the floors of amphitheaters to soak up blood.
- In some Spanish-speaking coastal regions, you might hear people describe the movement of the dunes using the verb avanzar, as if the 'dunas de arena' were living creatures walking across the land.
- In the Canary Islands, which have famous volcanic dunas, the sand is often black or red rather than the typical golden color associated with the word arena.
Examples in context
- Este verano, planeamos visitar las dunas costeras en México.This summer, we plan to visit the coastal sand dunes in Mexico.
- Me gusta caminar por las dunas de arena al atardecer.I enjoy walking through the sand dunes at sunset.
- Las dunas de arena del desierto son impresionantes.The desert sand dunes are impressive.
- Las dunas de arena son hermosas.The sand dunes are beautiful.
- Vimos las dunas de arena en el desierto.We saw the sand dunes in the desert.
- Cuidado con las dunas de arena al caminar.Be careful with the sand dunes when walking.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are hiking in a coastal desert.
- LucíaMira esas dunas de arena, Mateo.Look at those sand dunes, Mateo.
- MateoSon muy grandes y fascinantes.They are very large and fascinating.
- Lucía¿Podemos subir a la cima?Can we climb to the top?
- MateoSí, pero subamos con cuidado.Yes, but let's climb carefully.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries arena, de, CC BY-SA 4.0.
