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

Part of Speech

Cana is primarily used as a noun in the Spanish language.

Phonetic Transcription

/kana/

Translation Options into English

• Cane
• Gray hair
• Marijuana (in certain contexts, particularly in colloquial or argot usage)

Meaning and Usage

In Spanish, "cana" can refer to a few different concepts. Its most common meanings include: - Cane: a slender, flexible stem or stalk, often made from bamboo or similar materials. - Gray hair: particularly when referring to hair that has turned gray over time. - Marijuana: in colloquial speech, particularly in some South American countries and among certain social circles.

The use of "cana" for "gray hair" can be quite common, especially among older individuals, while the use of "cana" as a slang term for marijuana is prevalent in specific regional contexts or social groups.

In terms of frequency, it is used in both oral speech and writing, although context may influence which meaning is more frequently encountered in each medium.

Example Sentences

1. Cana: "Mi abuelo tiene mucha cana en su cabeza."

2. "My grandfather has a lot of gray hair on his head."

3. Cana: "Ella caminaba con una cana que usaba como bastón."

4. "She walked with a cane that she used as a walking stick."

5. Cana: "En la fiesta, muchos hablaban sobre la cana que se había traído."

6. "At the party, many were talking about the weed that was brought."

Idiomatic Expressions

The term "cana" does appear in a few idiomatic expressions, particularly in relation to its meanings:

• Caerle la cana a alguien: This can mean for someone to be taken aback or surprised.
• Example: "Cuando supo que había ganado la lotería, le cayó la cana."

• "When he found out he had won the lottery, he was taken aback."

• No tener canas en la cabeza: It refers to not having experience or wisdom, often used to describe younger individuals.

• Example: "Ella no tiene canas en la cabeza, no puede comprender lo que significa la responsabilidad."
• "She has no gray hair; she can't understand what responsibility means."

Etymology

The word "cana" comes from the Latin word "canna," which also means cane or flag (the plant). Over time, it evolved to refer specifically to hair that has turned gray, possibly due to the appearance of white "cane-like" strands.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

• For "cane": bastón, vara
• For "gray hair": canosidad, cabello canoso
• For "marijuana": mota, hierba (in argot usage)

Antonyms

• For "cane": none directly applicable.
• For "gray hair": cabello oscuro, cabello joven (in context).
• For "marijuana": soberanía (in the sense of being sober).