marea
/maˈɾea/
The Spanish word for the English phrase "tide" is marea.
The word marea refers to the periodic change of sea level. To describe the tide coming in or rising, you can use the idiomatic phrase subir la marea. Conversely, to describe the tide going out or falling, use bajar la marea.
Meaning: periodic change of sea level (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the term Pleamar is commonly used specifically to refer to high tide.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun marea is feminine, so it is used with the feminine article la to say "the tide" (la marea).
How do you pronounce it?
/maˈɾea/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish dialects, the phrase marear (to confuse or daze) is a verb derived from the same root, suggesting the dizzying feeling of a rocking boat.
- The word marea can be used metaphorically in Spanish to describe a 'tide' or 'surge' of people, such as a 'marea humana' (human tide) during a protest or festival.
- The Spanish word marea was borrowed from the French word marée.
Examples in context
- La marea está subiendo.The tide is coming in.This sentence is useful for describing the tide currently coming in using marea.Tatoeba #1057695 by Shishir, translation #277846 by CK
- La marea estaba subiendo.The tide was rising.This sentence is useful for describing the tide that was rising using marea.Tatoeba #13633944 by stebnbr, translation #11968678 by Amastan
- Aproximadamente cada seis horas sube la marea.The tide rises approximately every six hours.This sentence is useful for describing the frequency of the tide rising using marea.Tatoeba #2002508 by marcelostockle, translation #2838095 by mervert1
- La marea subirá aproximadamente a las 8 a.m.The tide will rise at around 8 a.m.
- Durante la pleamar, las playas están llenas de gente.During high tide, the beaches are crowded.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are standing on a beach watching the water.
- María¿Viste cómo sube la marea, Alejandro?Did you see how the tide is rising, Alejandro?
- AlejandroSí, María, está subiendo muy rápido.Yes, María, it is rising very fast.
- MaríaMejor regresemos antes de que la marea nos alcance.Better we head back before the tide reaches us.
- AlejandroTienes razón, vamos a caminar hacia el coche.You are right, let's walk toward the car.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tide” translations and entries marea, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries marea, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
