caza
Lemma Details
Translation: hunt; hunting; chase; pursuit
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Derived from the Latin 'captia', a variant of 'captio' meaning 'a taking or seizing', which comes from the verb 'capere' (to take, seize). This Latin root also gave English words like 'capture', 'captive', and 'catch'. The evolution from 'captia' to 'caza' shows typical Spanish phonological changes where the Latin 'pt' cluster simplified to 'z'.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Mi abuelo va de caza todos los domingos.
My grandfather goes hunting every Sunday.
La caza del zorro está prohibida en esta región.
Fox hunting is prohibited in this region.
La caza de brujas durante la Inquisición fue terrible.
The witch hunt during the Inquisition was terrible.
Estamos en temporada de caza.
We are in hunting season.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'chase' in English, which sounds similar to 'caza' and has a related meaning.
- Remember that 'caza' relates to 'capture' in English - both involve taking or seizing something.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Hunting has significant cultural importance in many regions of Spain, with various traditional hunting practices and festivals. It's both a recreational activity and, in some rural areas, still connected to subsistence. There are ongoing debates about hunting regulations and conservation in Spanish-speaking countries.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Caza' (with z) means 'hunt' or 'hunting', while 'casa' (with s) means 'house' or 'home'. They differ by just one letter but have completely different meanings.
Confused word:
Mi casa está cerca del parque.
My house is near the park.
Notes: The pronunciation differs slightly: 'caza' has a 'th' sound (in European Spanish) or 's' sound (in Latin American Spanish) for the 'z', while 'casa' always has an 's' sound.
Mnemonic: Remember: 'caza' with Z is for 'zealous pursuit' (hunting), while 'casa' with S is where you 'stay' (home).
Explanation: 'Caza' means 'hunt', while 'caja' means 'box' or 'cash register'. They look and sound similar but have unrelated meanings.
Confused word:
Puso los regalos en una caja.
He put the gifts in a box.
Notes: The 'j' in 'caja' is pronounced as a strong 'h' sound, while the 'z' in 'caza' is pronounced as 'th' in European Spanish or 's' in Latin American Spanish.
Mnemonic: For 'caja', think of a 'cash' box - both start with 'ca'.