lechero
Lemma Details
Translation: milkman; dairy; milky; milk-related
Part of Speech: adjective, noun
Etymology: Derived from 'leche' (milk) + the suffix '-ero' which indicates profession or relation. 'Leche' comes from Latin 'lac, lactis' (milk), which shares roots with English words like 'lactose', 'lactation', and 'lactic'. The '-ero' suffix is equivalent to English '-er' (as in worker, baker) or '-man' (as in milkman).
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El lechero entrega la leche todas las mañanas.
The milkman delivers milk every morning.
Prefiero los productos lecheros frescos.
I prefer fresh dairy products.
La vaca lechera produce mucha leche.
The dairy cow produces a lot of milk.
Este postre tiene un sabor muy lechero.
This dessert has a very milky flavor.
Mnemonics
- Think 'leche' (milk) + '-ero' (person who works with) = 'lechero' (milkman)
- Remember that 'leche' sounds a bit like 'latte' (which contains milk) to connect it to milk
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, especially in rural areas, the 'lechero' was traditionally an important figure who would deliver fresh milk to homes. The term is still used today, though the profession has diminished with modernization and packaged milk in supermarkets.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'lechero' primarily refers to a milkman or something related to the milk industry, 'lechoso' specifically describes something with a milky appearance or consistency.
Notes: Both words derive from 'leche' (milk) but have different applications in context.
Mnemonic: 'Lechero' ends with '-ero' (person/profession) while 'lechoso' ends with '-oso' (full of/having the quality of).