lana
Lemma Details
Translation: wool; fleece; money; cash
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Latin 'lana' meaning 'wool'. The word has maintained its primary meaning in Spanish, while also developing the colloquial meaning of 'money' or 'cash'. This semantic extension likely comes from the historical value of wool as a commodity. The Latin root is also the source of English words like 'lanolin' (wool oil) and 'laniferous' (wool-bearing).
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral (for wool); informal (for money)
Example Usage
Este suéter está hecho de lana pura.
This sweater is made of pure wool.
No tengo suficiente lana para comprar un coche nuevo.
I don't have enough money to buy a new car.
La lana de las ovejas se esquila en primavera.
Sheep's wool is sheared in spring.
¿Me prestas un poco de lana?
Can you lend me some money?
Mnemonics
- Think of a 'lanolin' cream made from wool to remember the primary meaning.
- For the money meaning, imagine sheep being sheared for their valuable wool which is then exchanged for money.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In many Spanish-speaking countries, especially in Latin America, 'lana' is commonly used as slang for money. Spain has historically been an important producer of wool, and the wool industry has played a significant role in the economy of regions like Castilla and Extremadura.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Lana' means 'wool' or 'money', while 'llana' means 'flat' or 'plain' (as an adjective) or 'trowel' (as a noun).
Confused word:
El albañil usa una llana para alisar el cemento.
The mason uses a trowel to smooth the cement.
Notes: The pronunciation differs: 'lana' is /ˈlana/ while 'llana' is /ˈʎana/ or /ˈʝana/ depending on the dialect.
Mnemonic: 'Lana' has one 'l' like 'wool' has one 'o', while 'llana' has two 'l's like 'trowel' has two syllables.
Explanation: 'Lana' means 'wool' or 'money', while 'rana' means 'frog'.
Confused word:
La rana salta en el estanque.
The frog jumps in the pond.
Notes: These words differ by just one letter but have completely different meanings.
Mnemonic: 'Lana' starts with 'l' like 'lamb' (which gives us wool), while 'rana' starts with 'r' like 'ribbit' (the sound a frog makes).