calavera (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Calavera is a noun (feminine).

Phonetic Transcription

/kalaˈβeɾa/

Translation Options into English

• Skull
• Skeleton
• A decorative skull, especially used in the context of Day of the Dead celebrations.

Meaning and Usage

Calavera primarily refers to a skull, specifically in the context of anatomy. In colloquial and cultural contexts, particularly in Mexico, it takes on a broader meaning associated with the Day of the Dead ("Día de Muertos"), where it can refer to decorative or artistic representations of skulls, often made from sugar (sugar skulls) or artistic carvings.

The word is frequently used in both oral and written forms, particularly during cultural festivities and discussions about Mexican traditions. It is common in informal speech as well as in literature that explores themes of death and culture.

Example Sentences

1. La calavera es un símbolo importante en el Día de Muertos.

2. The skull is an important symbol on the Day of the Dead.

3. Hay una calavera de cristal en la exposición del museo.

4. There is a crystal skull in the museum exhibition.

5. La niña pintó su cara como una calavera para la fiesta.

6. The girl painted her face like a skull for the party.

Idiomatic Expressions

The term calavera is involved in various idiomatic expressions, particularly in Mexican culture, where it symbolizes death and remembrance. Here are some relevant expressions:

1. Cantar a calaveras
2. Literally: To sing to skulls
3. Meaning: To mockingly comment on someone else’s misfortunes or shortcomings, usually during the Day of the Dead.

4. Example: El grupo de amigos decidió cantar a calaveras sobre las travesuras del año pasado.

   • The group of friends decided to sing to skulls about last year’s mischief.

5. Ver la calavera

6. Literally: To see the skull
7. Meaning: To confront death, acknowledging mortality.

8. Example: Al empezar su tratamiento, él supo que tenía que ver la calavera.

   • When starting his treatment, he knew he would have to confront death.

9. Hacer calaveritas

10. Literally: To make little skulls
11. Meaning: To create witty or humorous epitaphs during the Day of the Dead, often poking fun at the living.
12. Example: La tradición de hacer calaveritas en la familia siempre daba risas.
    • The tradition of making little skulls in the family always brought laughter.

Etymology

The word calavera comes from the Latin root "calvaria," meaning "skull." It evolved in the Spanish language to refer specifically to the skull, and later, with cultural significance attached to it, especially related to death in Mexican traditions.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Cráneo (cranium, skull) - Esqueleto (skeleton, though typically used for the entire structure)

Antonyms: - Vida (life)

This comprehensive overview of "calavera" should give you a good understanding of the word, its uses, cultural significance, and related expressions.