la nube
Lemma Details
Translation: the cloud; the mist; the fog
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Latin 'nubes' meaning 'cloud'. The English word 'nebula' (a cloud of gas and dust in space) shares this Latin root, as does 'nebulous' (unclear, vague, or ill-defined). The Spanish definite article 'la' indicates it's a feminine noun.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of a 'new bay' (sounds like 'nube') filled with clouds.
- Connect it to 'nebula' in English, which is also a cloud-like formation in space.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In modern Spanish, 'la nube' has taken on the technological meaning of cloud computing and cloud storage, just as in English. Traditionally, clouds have symbolic meaning in Spanish art and literature, often representing dreams, the divine, or the ephemeral nature of life.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'La nube' means 'the cloud' while 'la nave' means 'the ship' or 'the vessel'. They sound somewhat similar but have completely different meanings.
Notes: Both words are feminine nouns in Spanish, taking the article 'la'.
Mnemonic: 'Nave' has the same first two letters as 'naval', which relates to ships.
Explanation: 'La nube' means 'the cloud' while 'el nudo' means 'the knot'. They look somewhat similar in writing but have different genders and meanings.
Confused word:
Hice un nudo en la cuerda.
I made a knot in the rope.
Notes: 'Nube' is feminine while 'nudo' is masculine, so they use different articles ('la' vs 'el').
Mnemonic: Think of 'nude' for 'nudo' - imagine tying a knot in something.