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

Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/saˈβana/

Translation Options into English

• Savannah
• Blanket
• Sheet

Meaning and Usage

In Spanish, "sabana" primarily refers to a large, flat grassland that is typically found in warm climates, especially in Africa. It can also mean a blanket or a sheet used for covering. The word is commonly used in both oral and written contexts, but it has a specific geographical connotation when referring to the type of ecosystem.

In terms of frequency, "sabana" referring to the geographical context is more commonly used in written texts (like scientific articles, geography literature) while the blanket or sheet meaning is more prevalent in daily conversation.

Example Sentences

1. La sabana se extiende hasta donde alcanza la vista.

2. The savannah stretches as far as the eye can see.

3. Necesito una sabana para cubrir la cama.

4. I need a sheet to cover the bed.

5. En la sabana, podemos encontrar numerosos animales salvajes.

6. In the savannah, we can find numerous wild animals.

Idiomatic Expressions

While "sabana" does not have a high frequency in idiomatic expressions, here are a few related phrases that involve a figurative use of "sabana" in a broader cultural sense:

1. Saber como la palma de la mano (to know like the back of one’s hand) – While this does not include "sabana," it emphasizes familiarity, which can be poetically related to the vastness of a savannah.
2. Conoce esta sabana como la palma de su mano.

3. He knows this savannah like the back of his hand.

4. Coger a alguien con la guardia baja (to catch someone off guard) – Although direct connections to "sabana" may be less evident, it can metaphorically relate to the vastness of a savannah providing ample hiding spots.

5. Te pillaron en la sabana de la vida sin esperarlo.
6. They caught you off guard in the savannah of life without expecting it.

Etymology

The word "sabana" comes from the Spanish term that originated from the Latin "savana," which is derived from the French "savane." The term has been integrated into Spanish from these languages to denote grassy plains, especially in regions like Africa and South America.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Pradera (meadow) - Llanura (plain)

Antonyms: - Montaña (mountain) - Colina (hill)