enano
Lemma Details
Translation: dwarf; midget; little person; gnome
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Latin 'nanus' meaning 'dwarf', which came from Ancient Greek 'nános' (νάνος) with the same meaning. The Spanish form added the prefix 'e-' (from Latin 'ex-') to create 'enano'. The English word 'nano-' (as in nanotechnology) shares the same Greek root, referring to extremely small size.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'nano' (very small) with an 'e' prefix.
- Imagine a dwarf saying 'Eh? No!' (sounds like 'enano') when asked if they're tall.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish folklore, 'enanos' often appear in fairy tales and legends. The term can be used figuratively to describe someone who is morally or intellectually small. In some contexts, it can be considered offensive when referring to people with dwarfism, with 'persona de talla baja' being a more respectful alternative.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: This is the feminine form of 'enano', referring to a female dwarf or little person.
Notes: Both forms follow standard Spanish gender patterns.
Mnemonic: Enano ends with 'o' (typically masculine) while enana ends with 'a' (typically feminine).
Explanation: As an adjective, 'enano' means 'tiny' or 'dwarf' and modifies nouns.
Notes: The same word can function as both noun and adjective depending on context.
Mnemonic: When 'enano' comes after a noun, it's an adjective; when it stands alone or before a verb, it's a noun.