Spanish · Nature, Animals & Weather
"Sea" in Spanish: mar
el mar
Sea in Spanish is el mar (mahr). It is usually masculine: el mar. Ir al mar means go to the sea. Mar can feel poetic as feminine in songs, but learners should keep el mar.
Weekend plan
El domingo vamos al mar.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce mar
Say it
mahr
/maɾ/
Mahr, one syllable. Open a. Soft final r. Say mar, not English mare.
"Sea" in Spanish: quick reference
| Spanish | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| el mar | the sea Default for learners. | Default for learners. |
| al mar | to the sea Trip plans. | Trip plans. |
| el mar calmado | the calm sea Beach conditions. | Beach conditions. |
| la orilla del mar | the seashore Walking the edge. | Walking the edge. |
How to use mar in real life
- 1Weekend plan
El domingo vamos al mar.
Sunday we're going to the sea.
Al mar.
- 2Beach view
El mar está tranquilo hoy.
The sea is calm today.
El mar + estar.
- 3Photo
Mira el mar desde el mirador.
Look at the sea from the lookout.
El mar as the view.
Mistakes English speakers make with mar
Incorrect: La mar está frío.
Correct: El mar está frío.
In everyday speech use el mar; agree frío.
Incorrect: Vamos a el mar.
Correct: Vamos al mar.
A + el contracts to al: al mar.
Good to know
Coastal towns live around el mar: pescado del día, sunset walks, and weekend buses al mar. Songs may say la mar, but café talk sticks with el mar.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Picking a beach day
ChatPal
¿Salimos temprano al mar?
Shall we leave early for the sea?
You
Sí. Quiero nadar en el mar.
Yes. I want to swim in the sea.
ChatPal
Llevo sombrilla. El mar pega sol.
I'll bring an umbrella. The sea gets hard sun.
You
Yo llevo agua y snacks.
I'll bring water and snacks.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Sea" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Sea" in Spanish
Is mar masculine?
Usually yes for learners: el mar. Songs sometimes use la mar.
How do you pronounce mar?
Mahr, one short syllable.
How do I say to the sea?
Al mar (a + el).
Mar or playa?
Mar is the sea; playa is the beach.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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