a mitad de trayecto
Lemma Details
Translation: halfway through the journey; midway; at the halfway point
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This Spanish phrase combines several elements: 'a' (at/to), 'mitad' (half, from Latin 'medietas'), 'de' (of, from Latin 'de'), and 'trayecto' (journey/route, from Latin 'trajectus' meaning 'crossing over'). The construction creates a spatial or temporal reference point indicating the middle portion of a journey or process.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 50%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Estamos a mitad de trayecto, llegaremos en una hora más.
We're halfway through the journey, we'll arrive in one more hour.
El tren se detuvo a mitad de trayecto debido a un problema técnico.
The train stopped halfway through the journey due to a technical problem.
A mitad de trayecto decidimos cambiar de ruta.
Halfway through the journey we decided to change our route.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'mitad' as 'mid' + 'tad' to remember it means 'half'
- Visualize a train stopping at a station that's exactly halfway between the origin and destination
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in travel contexts, public transportation announcements, and when giving directions in Spanish-speaking countries. It's a practical expression that helps people understand their position relative to a complete journey.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While very similar in meaning, 'a mitad de camino' is slightly more general and can refer to any path or way, while 'a mitad de trayecto' specifically refers to a journey or route with defined starting and ending points.
Confused word:
Nos encontramos a mitad de camino entre Madrid y Barcelona.
We met halfway between Madrid and Barcelona.
Notes: Both phrases are interchangeable in many contexts, but 'a mitad de trayecto' tends to be used more in formal transportation contexts.
Mnemonic: 'Trayecto' implies a specific trajectory or route, while 'camino' is a more general 'way' or 'path'.