leche materna
Lemma Details
Translation: breast milk; mother's milk
Part of Speech: noun phrase
Etymology: From Spanish 'leche' (milk) and 'materna' (maternal). 'Leche' derives from Latin 'lac, lactis', which shares the same Indo-European root as English 'lactose' and 'lactation'. 'Materna' comes from Latin 'maternus' (of a mother), related to English 'maternal'.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
La leche materna es el mejor alimento para los bebés.
Breast milk is the best food for babies.
Los médicos recomiendan alimentar al bebé con leche materna durante los primeros seis meses.
Doctors recommend feeding babies with breast milk during the first six months.
La leche materna contiene anticuerpos que protegen al bebé contra enfermedades.
Breast milk contains antibodies that protect the baby against diseases.
Mnemonics
- 'Materna' sounds like 'maternal' in English, helping to remember it refers to mother's milk.
- Think of 'leche' (milk) coming from a maternal source.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, breastfeeding is generally viewed positively and is promoted in public health campaigns. The term 'leche materna' is commonly used in medical contexts, parenting discussions, and public health education.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Leche materna' refers specifically to human breast milk, while 'leche de vaca' is cow's milk.
Confused word:
La leche de vaca no es recomendable para bebés menores de un año.
Cow's milk is not recommended for babies under one year old.
Notes: In nutritional and pediatric contexts, the distinction between these terms is crucial as they have different nutritional compositions and applications.
Mnemonic: 'Materna' relates to 'mother', while 'vaca' means 'cow'.
Explanation: 'Leche materna' is natural breast milk, while 'fórmula láctea' is manufactured formula designed to substitute breast milk.
Confused word:
Si no es posible amamantar, la fórmula láctea es una alternativa.
If breastfeeding is not possible, infant formula is an alternative.
Notes: While both feed infants, they differ significantly in composition, benefits, and origin.
Mnemonic: 'Materna' comes from mother, natural source; 'fórmula' suggests something formulated or manufactured.