boleto
Lemma Details
Translation: ticket; voucher; receipt; slip; stub
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Italian 'bolletta' meaning 'receipt' or 'bill', which derives from Latin 'bulla' meaning 'seal' or 'document with a seal'. The English word 'bulletin' shares this Latin root, both referring to official documents. The concept evolved from sealed documents to various forms of official papers that grant access or prove payment.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Mnemonics
- Think of 'bulletin board' where tickets or notices might be posted - both share the Latin root 'bulla'.
- Associate with 'bowl-eat-o' - imagine a ticket stub in a bowl that you need to eat to enter an event.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In many Latin American countries, 'boleto' is the standard term for tickets of all kinds, while in Spain 'billete' or 'entrada' might be more common. In Argentina and Uruguay, 'boleto' specifically refers to bus tickets. In Mexico, 'boleto' is used for almost any kind of ticket, from transportation to entertainment events.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both can mean 'ticket', 'billete' also commonly refers to paper money or banknotes in many Spanish-speaking countries. In Spain, 'billete' is more commonly used for transportation tickets, while 'boleto' is more common in Latin America.
Notes: Usage varies by region; in some countries these terms are interchangeable for tickets.
Mnemonic: 'Billete' sounds like 'bill' - think of a dollar bill (money).
Explanation: While similar in sound and appearance, 'boleta' typically refers to a receipt, ballot, or school report card depending on the country, while 'boleto' refers to tickets for transportation or events.
Confused word:
La boleta de calificaciones muestra sus notas escolares.
The report card shows his school grades.
Notes: In Argentina, 'boleta' can also refer to a utility bill or invoice.
Mnemonic: 'Boleta' ends in 'a' like 'data' - think of a document containing information or data.