Pronunciation: [djˈuːənə] (IPA) 
The word "Duena" is a Spanish term that means "lady of the house." It is spelled in IPA phonetic transcription as /dweˈna/. The letters "d" and "u" are pronounced as in English. The letter "e" is pronounced as "eh" in the word "get." The letter "n" is pronounced as in English. The letter "a" is pronounced as "ah" in the word "father." In Spanish, the stress is placed on the second-to-last syllable, "we."
The term "duena" refers to a female chaperone or guardian, usually of Spanish-speaking origin, who is responsible for the well-being and proper conduct of young unmarried girls. Derived from the Spanish word for "mistress" or "lady," a duena is often an older woman who accompanies a young woman or a group of young women in social settings, ensuring their behavior adheres to societal norms and expectations.
Historically, the role of a duena primarily emerged in aristocratic and upper-class families during the medieval period. The duena played an essential part in safeguarding the reputation and purity of young women, especially during courtship and public gatherings. Her duties often included supervising interactions between young women and potential suitors, maintaining decorum, and teaching proper etiquette and manners.
In various contexts, a duena may also have religious or cultural significance. For example, in the Spanish-speaking world, the quinceañera celebration, which marks a girl's transition into adulthood at the age of fifteen, may involve the presence of a duena as a symbol of guidance and protection.
While the role of a duena has evolved over time and is less prevalent in contemporary society, it still carries cultural significance in certain communities. In literature and arts, the concept of a duena has been explored, often depicting her as a strict authority figure, exemplifying tradition and conservative values.
The word "duena" is derived from the Spanish term "dueña", which itself comes from the Latin word "domina", meaning "lady" or "mistress". In medieval times, "duena" referred to a woman who acted as a chaperone or guardian for unmarried girls, often from nobility or aristocratic families. It was her responsibility to ensure their chastity, virtue, and proper behavior, as well as to accompany them in social situations like parties or events. The word eventually spread to other languages, retaining its original meaning.
