bote
Lemma Details
Translation: boat; jar; can; tin; bounce; jump; pot (in games)
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: The word 'bote' has multiple meanings in Spanish with different etymological origins. In the sense of 'boat', it comes from Old English 'bāt' and Germanic roots, sharing origins with the English word 'boat'. In the sense of 'jar' or 'container', it derives from Late Latin 'buttis' meaning 'cask' or 'barrel', which also gave English 'bottle' and 'butt' (as in water butt). The meaning of 'bounce' or 'jump' comes from the verb 'botar', which has Germanic origins related to 'to beat' or 'to strike'.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Alquilamos un bote para pescar en el lago.
We rented a boat to fish in the lake.
Guarda las galletas en ese bote de cristal.
Store the cookies in that glass jar.
Abre un bote de atún para la ensalada.
Open a can of tuna for the salad.
La pelota dio un bote extraño.
The ball took a strange bounce.
Cada jugador puso diez euros en el bote.
Each player put ten euros in the pot.
Mnemonics
- For 'boat' meaning: Think 'bote' sounds like 'boat'
- For 'jar' meaning: Picture putting a boat-shaped lid on a jar
- For 'bounce' meaning: Imagine a boat bouncing on waves
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'bote' is commonly used in everyday language for various containers and small boats. In Mexico, 'bote' can also refer to jail in slang usage ('estar en el bote' means 'to be in jail'). The word appears frequently in coastal communities when referring to small fishing vessels.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Bote' (noun) means boat, jar, or bounce, while 'vote' is the conjugated form of 'votar' meaning 'to vote' (third person singular present subjunctive).
Confused word:
Es importante que él vote en las elecciones.
It's important that he votes in the elections.
Notes: The pronunciation is different: 'bote' is pronounced /ˈbo.te/ while 'vote' is pronounced /ˈbo.te/ but in the context of the verb 'votar'.
Mnemonic: 'Bote' has an 'e' like 'vessel', while 'vote' has a 'v' like 'voice your opinion'.
Explanation: 'Bote' means boat, jar, or bounce, while 'bota' means boot (footwear) or wineskin.
Notes: Both words are common in everyday Spanish.
Mnemonic: 'Bote' ends with 'e' like 'vessel', while 'bota' ends with 'a' like 'footwear'.