barrera
Lemma Details
Translation: barrier; fence; gate; obstacle; hurdle; tollgate
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Old Spanish 'barrera', derived from 'barra' (bar), which comes from Vulgar Latin *barra of uncertain origin, possibly Celtic. The word evolved to describe structures made of bars or poles used as barriers or defensive structures. It shares roots with English 'barrier', both referring to something that blocks or impedes passage.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
La barrera impidió que el coche cayera al río.
The barrier prevented the car from falling into the river.
Hay una barrera de seguridad en la entrada del edificio.
There is a security barrier at the entrance of the building.
El idioma puede ser una barrera para la comunicación.
Language can be a barrier to communication.
Tenemos entradas de barrera para la corrida de toros.
We have front-row seats for the bullfight.
Mnemonics
- Think of a 'barrier' in English - they sound almost identical.
- Imagine bars ('barras' in Spanish) forming a barrier or fence.
- Picture someone saying 'bar-era' - the era when bars were used as barriers.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish bullfighting culture, 'barrera' refers to the wooden fence that separates the ring from the audience, as well as the front-row seats closest to the action. In Latin American contexts, it can also refer to checkpoints or border controls.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Barrera' means barrier or fence, while 'barrio' means neighborhood or district.
This word:
Hay una barrera que separa los dos países.
There is a barrier that separates the two countries.
Confused word:
Vivo en un barrio tranquilo al sur de la ciudad.
I live in a quiet neighborhood in the south of the city.
Notes: Both words start with 'barr-' but have completely different meanings and uses.
Mnemonic: 'Barrera' has two 'r's like 'barrier', while 'barrio' has only one 'r' like 'area' (neighborhood area).
Explanation: 'Barrera' is a barrier or fence, while 'barrena' is a drill or auger (tool for making holes).
Confused word:
Usó una barrena para hacer agujeros en la madera.
He used a drill to make holes in the wood.
Notes: These words differ by just one letter but refer to completely different objects.
Mnemonic: 'Barrena' ends with 'na' which can remind you of 'nail' - a tool that makes holes like a drill.