sereno
/seˈɾeno/
The English word 'serene' is translated into Spanish as sereno.
The adjective sereno is used to describe someone or something that is peaceful or calm. In many Spanish-speaking contexts, it specifically describes a person who is composed, level-headed or not easily agitated. Related forms include the noun serenidad (serenity) and the verbs serenar and serenarse.
Meaning: peaceful, calm (adj)
Which one should you use?
While sereno can mean peaceful, it is often used to emphasize a person's temperament and composure. You may also encounter the versatile word tranquilo to convey a sense of serenity.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, the phrase el sereno is used to refer to a traditional night watchman or street warden.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective sereno must agree in gender with the noun it modifies. Use the feminine form serena for feminine nouns. It also takes plural forms: serenos or serenas, depending on the gender of the group being described.
How do you pronounce it?
/seˈɾeno/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, if someone tells you te va a dar el sereno, they are not complimenting your calm nature, but warning you that you might get sick from the night air.
- The English word 'serene' and the Spanish sereno share the same Latin ancestor, *serēnus, which originally referred to a clear, cloudless sky.
- The verb serenar can be used in a medical or folk context to mean 'to soothe' or 'to calm down' someone who is in a state of agitation or fever.
Examples in context
- El lago estaba sereno y reflejaba la quietud del paisaje.The lake was serene and reflected the tranquility of the landscape.
- Disfrutamos de una tarde apacible en el jardín.We enjoyed a serene afternoon in the garden.
- Vamos a la playa y nos quedamos tranquis toda la tarde.Let's go to the beach and stay chill all afternoon.
- El paisaje es muy sereno.The landscape is very serene.
- Tiene un rostro sereno.He has a serene face.
- El lago está sereno hoy.The lake is serene today.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are walking in a park.
- MaríaMira el lago, Mateo, es tan sereno.Look at the lake, Mateo, it is so serene.
- MateoTienes razón, me da mucha paz.You are right, it gives me a lot of peace.
- MaríaNecesitaba un momento así hoy.I needed a moment like this today.
- MateoYo también, María. Qué buen sitio.Me too, María. What a great place.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “serene” translations and entries sereno, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sereno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
