escucha
Lemma Details
Translation: listener; eavesdropper; scout; lookout; listening
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Derived from the verb 'escuchar' (to listen), which comes from Latin 'auscultare' meaning 'to listen attentively'. The Latin root is related to English words like 'auscultation' (the medical practice of listening to internal sounds of the body). The word evolved from the action of listening to describe a person who listens, especially in surveillance or military contexts.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'escucha' as someone who 'scoots' around to listen to conversations.
- Remember it by thinking of someone saying 'Shh! Coo! Cha!' when trying to listen quietly.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Spanish, 'escucha' can refer both to the act of listening and to a person who listens. In military contexts, it specifically refers to scouts or lookouts. In modern usage, it's often associated with surveillance and intelligence gathering, as in 'escuchas telefónicas' (phone tapping).
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Escucha' is a noun meaning 'listener' or 'scout', while 'escuchar' is the verb 'to listen'.
This word:
El escucha detectó una conversación sospechosa.
The listener detected a suspicious conversation.
Confused word:
Debes escuchar con atención.
You should listen carefully.
Notes: In commands, 'escucha' can also be the imperative form of the verb 'escuchar' (meaning 'listen!'), which adds to potential confusion.
Mnemonic: 'Escucha' ends with 'a' like many Spanish nouns, while 'escuchar' ends with 'r' like verbs in their infinitive form.
Explanation: 'Escucha' means 'listener' or 'scout', while 'escudo' means 'shield' or 'coat of arms'.
This word:
El escucha permaneció oculto entre los arbustos.
The scout remained hidden among the bushes.
Confused word:
El caballero llevaba un escudo con el emblema familiar.
The knight carried a shield with the family emblem.
Notes: Both words share the same first five letters, which can cause visual confusion for learners.
Mnemonic: Think of 'escudo' as something that protects you (shield), while 'escucha' is someone who hears you.