sirena
/siˈɾena/feminine
The English word "siren" is translated into Spanish as sirena.
sirena is a noun used to describe a device for making a sound alarm.
Meaning: device for making a sound alarm (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
As a feminine noun, sirena must be preceded by feminine articles, such as la or una.
How do you pronounce it?
/siˈɾena/
Did you know?
- Due to the dual meaning of sirena, a Spanish speaker might use the phrase 'el canto de la sirena' to describe a seductive lure or a deceptive promise rather than a loud alarm.
- The word sirena is a direct descendant of the Ancient Greek Σειρήν, passing through Late Latin before entering the Spanish language.
- In Spanish, sirena is used to describe both the mechanical device and the actual sound it produces. An English speaker would typically distinguish between the 'siren' and the 'noise'.
Examples in context
- Una sirena estruendosa interrumpió nuestra conversación.A blaring siren interrupted our conversation.This sentence shows how a loud sirena can interrupt a conversation.Tatoeba #11858022 by Seael, translation #13596043 by frpzzd
- Los bandidos huyeron cuando oyeron la sirena de la policía.The bandits ran away when they heard the police siren.This sentence illustrates the use of the police sirena.Tatoeba #1325939 by hayastan, translation #1326907 by marcelostockle
- La sirena sonó.The siren blew.This sentence demonstrates the action of the sirena sounding.Tatoeba #5714120 by arh, translation #54161 by CK
- La sirena del barco suena en caso de emergencia.The siren on the boat sounds in case of an emergency.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are walking in the city when they hear an emergency vehicle approaching.
- Javier¿Oíste esa sirena tan fuerte?Did you hear that very loud siren?
- ElenaSí, parece que viene una ambulancia.Yes, it looks like an ambulance is coming.
- JavierEspero que no sea algo grave.I hope it is nothing serious.
- ElenaEspero que lleguen rápido al hospital.I hope they arrive at the hospital quickly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “siren” translations and entries sirena, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sirena, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
