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alba means sunrise — a common term in Beautiful Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: November 23, 2025

✨ Beautiful Spanish

alba

noun • /[AL-ba]/

sunrise

Example:

Nos besamos bajo el alba tibia.

We kissed beneath the soft sunrise.

🧠 What does alba mean?

Alba refers to the period of dawn or daybreak, specifically the first light that appears in the sky before the sun rises. It describes the transition from the darkness of night to the light of day, often characterized by a soft, white or pale light. This term carries a more poetic and literary connotation than the more common word 'amanecer'.

📚 Extra examples

  • Los gallos cantan al alba.
    The roosters crow at dawn.
  • Salimos de casa con las primeras luces del alba para evitar el tráfico.
    We left the house with the first light of dawn to avoid the traffic.
  • El poeta describió la belleza del alba sobre el mar.
    The poet described the beauty of the sunrise over the sea.
  • La guardia se cambia justo antes del alba.
    The guard changes just before daybreak.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'alba' comes from the Latin 'albus', which means 'white'. This etymology beautifully captures the essence of the white, pale light that characterizes the sky at the very beginning of the day.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "alba"

Synonyms: amanecer, aurora, alborada, crepúsculo matutino
Opposites: anochecer, atardecer, ocaso, crepúsculo vespertino

🔍 See more beautiful spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'sunrise' in Spanish?
The most common ways to say 'sunrise' are 'el amanecer' or 'la salida del sol'. The word 'alba' is a more poetic term for 'dawn' or 'daybreak', referring to the first light before the sun is visible.
How do you pronounce 'alba' in Spanish?
The word 'alba' is pronounced 'AL-bah'. The 'a' sound is open, similar to the 'a' in 'father', and the 'b' is a soft sound, closer to a 'v' sound in some dialects.
How do you use 'alba' in a sentence?
You can use 'alba' to refer to the time of dawn. For example: 'Me gusta caminar por la playa durante el alba' (I like to walk on the beach during the dawn).
What is the English translation of 'alba'?
The English translation of 'alba' is 'dawn' or 'daybreak'. It specifically refers to the twilight period just before sunrise.
Does 'alba' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'alba' is a feminine noun, so it uses feminine articles like 'la' or 'una'. Its plural form is 'albas', though this form is rarely used.
Is 'alba' common in everyday Spanish?
'Alba' is not as common in everyday conversation as 'amanecer'. It is considered more literary or poetic and is often found in books, songs, and more formal or descriptive language.
Does 'alba' have slang or double meanings?
'Alba' does not have any common slang or secondary meanings. However, it is a popular female given name in Spanish-speaking countries.
Is 'alba' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The use and meaning of 'alba' are consistent across Spain and Latin America. It universally carries a poetic or formal connotation related to the dawn.

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