invernada
Lemma Details
Translation: wintering; winter season; winter pasture; hibernation period
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Derived from 'invernar' (to winter, to spend the winter), which comes from Latin 'hibernare' meaning 'to spend the winter'. The suffix '-ada' indicates a period or action. Related to English words like 'hibernate' and 'hibernation', sharing the same Latin root 'hibernus' (of winter). The concept particularly developed significance in agricultural and pastoral societies where seasonal migration of livestock was common.
Commonality: 40%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Los gauchos llevaron el ganado a la invernada.
The gauchos took the cattle to the winter pasture.
Durante la invernada, los animales permanecen en zonas más bajas y protegidas.
During the wintering period, animals stay in lower, more protected areas.
La invernada es crucial para la supervivencia del ganado en regiones con inviernos severos.
Wintering is crucial for livestock survival in regions with severe winters.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'invernada' as 'in-winter-nada' - during winter, there's 'nada' (nothing) to do but stay in shelter.
- Connect it to 'hibernate' in English - animals go into 'invernada' (winter quarters) to hibernate.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In rural Latin American countries, especially Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile, 'invernada' has specific agricultural significance referring to the practice of fattening cattle during winter months in specially designated pastures. It's an important concept in traditional ranching cultures where seasonal migration of livestock between summer highlands and winter lowlands (transhumance) is practiced.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Invernada' refers to the winter season or winter pasture, while 'invernadero' is a greenhouse or winter shelter structure.
This word:
Los animales pasan la invernada en los valles.
The animals spend the winter season in the valleys.
Confused word:
Cultivan tomates en el invernadero durante todo el año.
They grow tomatoes in the greenhouse throughout the year.
Notes: Both terms relate to winter but serve different functions - one is a time period or seasonal activity, the other is a physical structure.
Mnemonic: 'Invernada' ends with '-ada' (period) while 'invernadero' ends with '-ero' (place or container).
Explanation: 'Invernada' is the period of wintering or winter pasturing, while 'invierno' simply means 'winter' as a season.
Confused word:
El invierno es la estación más fría del año.
Winter is the coldest season of the year.
Notes: 'Invernada' is more specific to agricultural practices and animal husbandry, while 'invierno' is the general term for the winter season.
Mnemonic: 'Invernada' is what you do during 'invierno' - it's the activity or period, not just the season.