abertura
Lemma Details
Translation: opening; aperture; gap; slit; hole; vent
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Derived from the Latin 'apertura', from 'aperire' meaning 'to open'. It shares the same Latin root as the English words 'aperture' and 'open'. The Latin 'aperire' evolved into 'abrir' in Spanish, and 'abertura' is the noun form related to this verb. The initial 'ap-' in Latin changed to 'ab-' in Spanish through a process of phonetic evolution common in the development of Romance languages from Latin.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
La casa tiene una abertura en el techo.
The house has an opening in the roof.
Ajusta la abertura de la cámara para obtener más luz.
Adjust the camera's aperture to get more light.
Hay una pequeña abertura en la pared por donde entra el aire.
There's a small opening in the wall where air comes in.
La abertura de la puerta no es lo suficientemente ancha.
The door opening is not wide enough.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'abertura' as related to 'abrir' (to open) - an abertura is what results when you 'abrir' something.
- Connect it to the English word 'aperture' which has the same meaning in photography contexts.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In architectural contexts, 'abertura' is commonly used to refer to windows, doors, and other openings in buildings. In photography, it refers to the aperture of a camera lens, similar to English usage.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both mean 'opening', 'apertura' often refers to the act of opening something for the first time (like a ceremony) or in more formal contexts, while 'abertura' typically refers to the physical opening or gap itself.
This word:
La abertura en la pared permite que entre la luz.
The opening in the wall allows light to enter.
Confused word:
La apertura del festival será el viernes.
The opening of the festival will be on Friday.
Notes: In some contexts, especially technical ones, these words can be used interchangeably, but 'abertura' is generally more common for physical openings.
Mnemonic: 'Abertura' has 'aber' like 'abrir' (to open), focusing on the physical result; 'apertura' sounds more like 'aperture' and can be more ceremonial or formal.
Explanation: 'Abertura' is a noun meaning 'opening' while 'abierto' is an adjective meaning 'open'.
Confused word:
El restaurante está abierto.
The restaurant is open.
Notes: Both words come from the verb 'abrir' (to open).
Mnemonic: 'Abertura' ends in '-ura' like many Spanish nouns; 'abierto' ends in '-o' like many masculine adjectives.