Xana
/ɡsana/from spelling rules
Xana is the Spanish term for a mythical female spirit from Asturian folklore.
These spirits are traditionally depicted as guardians of natural wonders such as caves and springs.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ɡsana/.
Did you know?
- While known in Spanish, xana originates from Asturian, a separate language spoken in the north of Spain that is distinct from Castilian Spanish.
- In many parts of Asturias, the word xana is used colloquially to refer to a beautiful or attractive woman, much like calling someone a 'beauty' or a 'belle'.
- In folklore, a xana can be captured by a human, but doing so usually leads to the captor being cursed or the spirit vanishing forever.
Examples in context
- Dicen que una Xana vive en esa cueva.They say a Xana lives in that cave.
- La Xana protege el manantial de la montaña.The Xana protects the mountain spring.
- He visto una estatua de una Xana en el bosque.I have seen a statue of a Xana in the forest.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are walking through a forest in Asturias.
- María¿Escuchaste ese ruido cerca del río?Did you hear that noise near the river?
- MateoTal vez sea la Xana de la leyenda.Maybe it is the Xana from the legend.
- MaríaMateo, no digas tonterías, solo es el viento.Mateo, don't talk nonsense, it's just the wind.
- MateoPero dicen que la Xana acecha en este lugar.But they say the Xana lurks in this place.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
