Dawn / Daybreak

Question

I am having a bit of trouble using the words Amanecer and Alborada. Are they interchangeable? I am totally confused. Thanks in advance for the help.

Answer 1

Yes they are interchangeable Like always in Spanish there are a few exceptions Alborada is the military music/song (or call)played first thing in the morning and also a poetic composition (of course dedicated to dawn)

Silvia, thanks for the explanation! Please let us know where you live in your profile. We really appreciate people who are fluent in both English and Spanish here! - JoyceM, Aug 14, 2012

Yes, Silvia! Your fluent help is really appreciated! - bandit51jd, Aug 15, 2012

The music: Reveille in English, from thre French, obviously. - annierats, Aug 15, 2012

Answer 2

gringojrf--Also used a lot in Mexico for dawn or daybreak is "salida del sol".

Yes. This is most common for "sunrise."

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I've often heard "amanecer" used for day break, but never "alborada" in every day speech. Lots of people say "¿Cómo amaneciste?" to ask, "How did you sleep/Did you have a good night's sleep?"

I agree. ¿Qué amaneciste? is very common. - gringojrf, Aug 15, 2012

Answer 3

Also used a lot in Mexico for dawn or daybreak is "salida del sol".