sabana
/saˈbana/
The Spanish word for savannah is sabana.
The term refers to a grassy plain in tropical regions with few trees.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, Uruguay and parts of Chile, the term pampa is used to refer to large, grassy plains akin to a savannah. In Venezuela and Colombia, the term llano is used to designate a vast plain with grasslands synonymous with a savannah.
How do you pronounce it?
/saˈbana/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly add a double 'n' to the spelling. However, the Spanish word only has one 'n'.
Did you know?
- A speaker saying sabana without an accent is talking about a plain, but saying sábana with a stressed first syllable refers to a sheet.
- The word sabana actually comes from indigenous Caribbean languages, specifically Taíno or Cariban, rather than from Latin or Greek roots.
- While sabana refers to the ecosystem, the term llano in Colombia and Venezuela often refers to the unique 'llanero' culture of horseback riders and cattle herders.
Examples in context
- Fui a la sabana africana a cazar.I went to the African savannah to hunt.Tatoeba #9071446 by rafaeldejesus8199, translation #9071455 by rafaeldejesus8199
- En África, se pueden encontrar grandes extensiones de sabana.In Africa, large expanses of savannah can be found.
- Vimos leones en la sabana.We saw lions in the savannah.
- La sabana es muy calurosa.The savannah is very hot.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are discussing a nature documentary.
- Sofía¿Te gustó el documental sobre la sabana?Did you like the documentary about the savannah?
- JavierSí, la sabana es impresionante.Yes, the savannah is impressive.
- SofíaJavier, ¿crees que sea peligrosa?Javier, do you think it is dangerous?
- JavierEs un lugar muy salvaje.It is a very wild place.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sabana, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sabana, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
