Lael logo

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

📅 Published: November 2, 2025

✨ Beautiful Spanish

serenata

noun • /[se-re-NA-ta]/

serenade

Example:

Me despertó con una serenata suave.

He woke me with a soft serenade.

🧠 What does serenata mean?

A 'serenata' is a piece of music performed in the open air at night, typically by a suitor under the window of a loved one. The term can refer to both the act of performing the music and the musical composition itself. It is a tradition strongly associated with romance and courtship, especially in Latin American cultures.

📚 Extra examples

  • Para su aniversario, le organizó una serenata con un trío de guitarras.
    For their anniversary, he organized a serenade for her with a guitar trio.
  • La orquesta interpretó una famosa serenata de Mozart durante el concierto.
    The orchestra performed a famous serenade by Mozart during the concert.
  • Despertamos con el sonido de la serenata que le daban a la vecina.
    We woke up to the sound of the serenade they were giving to the neighbor.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'serenata' comes from the Italian 'serenata', which is related to 'sereno', meaning serene or calm. This reflects the tradition of performing this music in the calm of the evening or night. The practice has deep roots in European courtly love and has evolved into a cherished cultural tradition in many parts of the Spanish-speaking world.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "serenata"

Synonyms: canción de amor, ronda, trova, balada
Opposites: There are no direct opposites for 'serenata' as it describes a specific type of musical performance.

🔍 See more beautiful spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'serenade' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for the noun 'serenade' is 'serenata'. The verb 'to serenade' is commonly expressed with the phrase 'dar una serenata' or 'llevar serenata'.
How do you pronounce 'serenata' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is 'seh-reh-NAH-tah', with the stress on the third syllable.
How do you use 'serenata' in a sentence?
You can use it to describe a romantic musical gesture, for example: 'El mariachi tocó una serenata para la pareja en el restaurante.' (The mariachi band played a serenade for the couple in the restaurant.)
What is the English translation of 'serenata'?
The direct English translation of 'serenata' is 'serenade'.
Does 'serenata' change for gender or number?
'Serenata' is a feminine noun. It does not change for gender. The plural form is 'serenatas'.
Is 'serenata' common in everyday Spanish?
While not used in daily conversation as frequently as other nouns, 'serenata' is a well-known word due to its strong cultural significance in music, film, and romantic traditions. Most native speakers understand it perfectly.
Does 'serenata' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'serenata' generally does not have any common slang or secondary meanings. It consistently refers to a musical performance of this type.
Is 'serenata' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning is the same, but the cultural practice is much more alive and common in Latin American countries, especially Mexico, where it is famously associated with mariachis. In Spain, the term might be heard more often in the context of classical music or older, more historical traditions like 'tunas' (university music groups).

📱 Download the App

Get reminders · Save favorites · Share words

Lael App Logo

Lael: Spanish Word of the Day

Download on the App Store