sur de California
/suɾ de kalifoɾnja/from spelling rules
The English phrase "southern california" is translated into Spanish as sur de California.
Which one should you use?
California del Sur is a more formal way to express the same idea.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are referring to the specific region as a noun phrase, it is common to include the definite article el at the beginning, resulting in el sur de California.
How do you pronounce it?
/suɾ de kalifoɾnja/
Did you know?
- The name California was not originally a place but a fictional island kingdom in a 16th century Spanish novel called 'Las sergas de Esplandián'.
- Because the Mexican state Baja California Sur exists, using the formal California del Sur in a travel context can lead to confusion between the US region and the Mexican state.
- A Spanish speaker might use el sur as a standalone noun to refer to the southern part of any territory, meaning they can drop the word California entirely if the context is clear.
Examples in context
- Voy a California del Sur.I'm going to Southern California.
- Soy del Sur de California.I'm from Southern California.
- Viví en el sur de California por un año.I lived in southern California for one year.
- El clima en el sur de California es excelente.The weather in southern California is excellent.
- Mis primos viven en el sur de California.My cousins live in southern California.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are discussing their travel plans.
- Daniel¿A dónde quieres viajar este verano?Where do you want to travel this summer?
- ElenaQuiero ir al sur de California.I want to go to southern California.
- DanielEso suena como un gran plan, Elena.That sounds like a great plan, Elena.
- Elena¡Sí, me encanta el sol de allá!Yes, I love the sun there!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries California, de, sur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
