abrir puertas
Lemma Details
Translation: to open doors; to create opportunities; to pave the way
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines 'abrir' (to open) from Latin 'aperire' and 'puertas' (doors) from Latin 'porta'. While literal in its components, the metaphorical meaning of creating opportunities mirrors the English expression 'to open doors for someone'. This metaphor of physical doors representing access to opportunities is shared across many cultures and languages.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 90%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Estudiar en el extranjero te abrirá muchas puertas en el futuro.
Studying abroad will open many doors for you in the future.
Su recomendación me abrió puertas en la industria.
His recommendation opened doors for me in the industry.
Este curso está diseñado para abrir puertas a nuevas carreras.
This course is designed to open doors to new careers.
Mnemonics
- Visualize a physical door opening to reveal new opportunities behind it
- Think of 'abrir' as 'a bridge' to new opportunities
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in professional and educational contexts in Spanish-speaking countries to discuss creating opportunities for advancement, career development, or social mobility. It's often used when discussing networking, education, or mentorship.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'abrir puertas' (plural) is typically used metaphorically to mean creating opportunities, 'abrir la puerta' (singular) is more commonly used literally to refer to opening a physical door.
Notes: The metaphorical usage typically uses the plural 'puertas' without the article, while the literal usage often uses the singular with the definite article 'la puerta'.
Mnemonic: Multiple doors (puertas) = multiple opportunities; single door (la puerta) = physical entrance