dar leche
Lemma Details
Translation: to give milk; to breastfeed; to lactate
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines 'dar' (to give) from Latin 'dare' and 'leche' (milk) from Latin 'lac, lactis'. The combination creates a literal phrase about providing milk, but it's commonly used to refer to breastfeeding or lactation in humans and animals.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'dar' as 'deliver' and 'leche' as 'liquid' - delivering liquid (milk).
- Connect 'leche' with 'lactate' in English - both share the Latin root.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, breastfeeding is generally viewed as a natural process, and the phrase 'dar leche' is used in everyday conversation without stigma. Public breastfeeding is more commonly accepted than in some English-speaking countries.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'dar leche' means 'to give milk' or 'to breastfeed', 'tomar leche' means 'to drink milk'.
Notes: The distinction is about the direction of the action - giving versus consuming.
Mnemonic: DAR (give) vs TOMAR (take) - opposite actions with milk.