finca
Lemma Details
Translation: estate; property; farm; country house; rural property; plantation
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From the Spanish verb 'fincar' (to establish, to set), which derives from Latin 'figicare', a derivative of 'figere' meaning 'to fix' or 'to fasten'. The concept evolved to mean a fixed or established property, particularly land. The Latin root 'fig-' is also present in English words like 'fix', 'fixture', and 'affix', all conveying the idea of something firmly established or attached.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Mi abuelo tiene una finca en las afueras de la ciudad.
My grandfather has a farm on the outskirts of the city.
Compraron una finca para cultivar café.
They bought an estate to grow coffee.
Pasamos el fin de semana en la finca familiar.
We spent the weekend at the family country house.
Esta finca produce los mejores aguacates de la región.
This farm produces the best avocados in the region.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'finca' as a place that's 'fixed' in the countryside (connecting to its Latin root 'figere').
- Associate 'finca' with 'financial investment' since property is often considered an investment.
- Picture a 'fine' country house to remember 'finca'.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, especially in Latin America, 'fincas' are important cultural and economic institutions. They can range from small family farms to large coffee or fruit plantations. In countries like Colombia and Costa Rica, coffee fincas are particularly significant. In Spain, a finca might refer to a country house or rural property where families spend weekends or holidays.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'finca' refers to a property or estate, 'fisco' means 'treasury' or 'public finances'.
Notes: Both terms relate to assets but in very different domains - private property versus public finances.
Mnemonic: 'Finca' has an 'a' like 'land' or 'farm', while 'fisco' has an 'o' like 'money' or 'gold'.
Explanation: 'Finca' is the noun (the property), while 'fincar' is the verb meaning 'to establish' or 'to base on'.
Confused word:
No debes fincar tu felicidad en cosas materiales.
You shouldn't base your happiness on material things.
Notes: 'Fincar' is less commonly used in everyday speech than 'finca'.
Mnemonic: Remember that 'fincar' is the action (verb) and 'finca' is the result (noun).