sierra
Lemma Details
Translation: mountain range; saw; serrated edge
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Latin 'serra' meaning 'saw'. The word refers to both a tool with a serrated edge and a mountain range because of the jagged, saw-like appearance of mountain ridges when viewed from a distance. The English word 'serrated' shares this Latin root, as does 'serration'. The Sierra Nevada mountain range in both Spain and California takes its name from this word, literally meaning 'snowy mountains with saw-like ridges'.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
La sierra tiene dientes afilados.
The saw has sharp teeth.
Vamos a escalar esa sierra este fin de semana.
We're going to climb that mountain range this weekend.
La sierra corta la madera con facilidad.
The saw cuts the wood easily.
Vivimos en una casa en la sierra.
We live in a house in the mountains.
Mnemonics
- Think of the 'serrated' edge of a saw to remember 'sierra'
- Visualize the jagged peaks of a mountain range looking like the teeth of a saw
- The 'Sierra Nevada' mountains have snow ('nevada') on their saw-like ('sierra') ridges
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'sierra' is commonly used in geography to refer to mountain ranges. Many regions and towns include 'Sierra' in their names, indicating their mountainous location. The term is also used in everyday contexts for the tool. 'Jamón serrano' (mountain ham) is a famous Spanish cured ham named for the mountain air in which it was traditionally cured.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Sierra' (noun) means 'saw' or 'mountain range', while 'cierra' is a form of the verb 'cerrar' meaning 'to close' (third person singular present or second person singular imperative).
Notes: The pronunciation is very similar, but 'sierra' has the stress on the first syllable, while 'cierra' has it on the first syllable as well but with a different vowel sound.
Mnemonic: 'Sierra' starts with 'S' like 'saw'; 'cierra' starts with 'C' like 'close'.
Explanation: 'Sierra' means 'mountain range' or 'saw', while 'tierra' means 'earth', 'land', or 'soil'.
Notes: Both words are common in geographical contexts but refer to different features of the landscape.
Mnemonic: 'Sierra' has an 'S' like 'summit' (of mountains); 'tierra' has a 'T' like 'terrain'.