invernar
Lemma Details
Translation: to winter; to hibernate; to spend the winter; to overwinter
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Derived from the Latin 'hibernare' meaning 'to spend the winter' or 'to winter', which comes from 'hibernus' (wintry). The Spanish word 'invierno' (winter) shares the same root. The English cognate 'hibernate' comes from the same Latin origin, though Spanish uses 'hibernar' more specifically for animal hibernation while 'invernar' refers to spending winter in a place.
Commonality: 40%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Las aves migratorias invernan en climas más cálidos.
Migratory birds winter in warmer climates.
Muchos turistas europeos invernan en España para escapar del frío.
Many European tourists spend the winter in Spain to escape the cold.
Los pastores invernan el ganado en establos protegidos.
Shepherds keep their livestock in protected stables during winter.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'invierno' (winter) + '-ar' (verb ending) = 'invernar' (to winter)
- Remember that 'invernar' sounds similar to 'hibernate' in English, both referring to winter activities
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries with distinct seasons, 'invernar' is used to describe both human and animal behavior during winter. In agricultural contexts, it refers to keeping livestock in winter quarters. The concept is particularly relevant in regions with harsh winters where seasonal migration or special accommodations are necessary.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both relate to winter, 'invernar' means to spend the winter somewhere, while 'hibernar' specifically refers to the biological process of hibernation in animals.
Confused word:
Los osos hibernan durante los meses más fríos.
Bears hibernate during the coldest months.
Notes: In some contexts, these verbs can be used interchangeably when referring to animals, though 'hibernar' is more precise for the biological state.
Mnemonic: 'Invernar' is for people and places (where you spend winter), 'hibernar' is for the biological process (like in English 'hibernate').
Explanation: Sometimes confused with 'invernizar' which means to winterize or prepare something for winter.
This word:
Muchas familias invernan en zonas más cálidas.
Many families spend winter in warmer areas.
Confused word:
Es importante invernizar la piscina antes de que llegue el frío.
It's important to winterize the pool before the cold arrives.
Notes: 'Invernizar' is less common and more technical, often used in maintenance contexts.
Mnemonic: 'Invernar' is about being somewhere during winter; 'invernizar' is about preparing something for winter.