infierno
Lemma Details
Translation: hell; inferno; underworld; netherworld
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Latin 'infernus' meaning 'lower, underground', derived from 'inferus' (below, beneath). The Latin term was used to describe the underworld or realm of the dead in Roman mythology. The English cognate 'inferno' comes from the same Latin root, popularized by Dante's 'Divine Comedy' to describe hell. The root 'infer-' relates to things that are below or underneath, reflecting the conceptualization of hell as being beneath the earth.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Este verano ha sido un infierno de calor.
This summer has been a hell of heat.
Pasé por un infierno durante mi divorcio.
I went through hell during my divorce.
La cocina de un restaurante en hora punta es un infierno.
A restaurant kitchen during rush hour is hell.
Según algunas religiones, las almas malas van al infierno.
According to some religions, evil souls go to hell.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'inferno' in English, which means a large fire or a place of intense heat - similar to the traditional conception of hell.
- The 'infer-' part sounds like 'inferior' - hell is traditionally depicted as being below or inferior to earth.
- Associate with 'in fire' - a place of eternal fire.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries with strong Catholic traditions, 'infierno' carries significant religious connotations. It's frequently referenced in religious contexts but also appears in everyday expressions to describe extremely difficult situations or unbearable conditions. The concept plays an important role in religious art, literature, and folklore throughout the Spanish-speaking world.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Infierno' means 'hell' while 'enfermo' means 'sick' or 'ill'. They look and sound somewhat similar but have completely different meanings.
This word:
El predicador habló sobre el infierno en su sermón.
The preacher talked about hell in his sermon.
Notes: The spelling difference is subtle: 'infierno' has an 'i' after the initial 'in-', while 'enfermo' begins with 'en-'.
Mnemonic: 'Enfermo' contains 'ferm' which sounds like 'firm' - when you're sick, you need to stay firm/strong to recover. 'Infierno' contains 'fiern' which sounds like 'fierce' - hell is traditionally depicted as a fierce place.
Explanation: 'Infierno' means 'hell' while 'invierno' means 'winter'. They differ by just one letter ('f' vs 'v') and can be easily confused by non-native speakers.
Confused word:
El invierno es mi estación favorita del año.
Winter is my favorite season of the year.
Notes: Both words have similar stress patterns and vowel sounds, making them particularly confusable in speech.
Mnemonic: 'Invierno' contains 'vier' which can remind you of 'vier' (four in German) - winter is the fourth season. 'Infierno' contains 'fier' which sounds like 'fire' - hell is associated with fire.