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"Playa" is a form of "playa", a noun which is often translated as "beach". "Mar" is a form of "mar", a noun which is often translated as "sea". Learn more about the difference between "playa" and "mar" below.
la playa(
plah
-
yah
)
A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
feminine noun
a. beach
Ayer fuimos a dar un paseo por la playa al amanecer.We went for a walk on the beach at sunrise yesterday.
a. seaside
Este año preferimos ir a la playa en vez de las montañas.We'd rather go to the seaside instead of the mountains this year.
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el mar, la mar(
mahr
)
This means that the noun can be masculine or feminine, depending on the gender of the noun it refers to (e.g., el doctor, la doctora).
masculine or feminine noun
a. sea
Mi sueño es vivir cerca del mar.My dream is to live close to the sea.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
masculine noun
2.
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
(figurative)
(abundance)
a. world
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
(figurative)
Siempre ha habido un mar de diferencia entre nosotros.There's always been a world of difference between us.
b. wave
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
(figurative)
Cuando entré en la cocina, me abofeteó un mar de olores deliciosos.When I went into the kitchen, I was hit by a wave of delicious smells.
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