lechería
Lemma Details
Translation: dairy; dairy shop; dairy farm; milk store
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Derived from 'leche' (milk) + '-ería' (a suffix indicating a place where something is produced or sold). The suffix '-ería' is common in Spanish for shops and establishments, similar to English '-ery' in 'bakery'. The root 'leche' comes from Latin 'lac, lactis', which is also the origin of English words like 'lactose' and 'lactation'.
Commonality: 50%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Compré queso fresco en la lechería de la esquina.
I bought fresh cheese at the dairy shop on the corner.
Mi abuelo trabajaba en una lechería cuando era joven.
My grandfather worked on a dairy farm when he was young.
Las lecherías locales ofrecen productos más frescos que los supermercados.
Local dairy shops offer fresher products than supermarkets.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'leche' (milk) + '-ería' (shop/place) = 'a place for milk'
- Similar to 'bakery' in English, but for milk products
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In many Spanish-speaking countries, especially in rural areas, 'lecherías' are important local businesses where fresh milk and dairy products are sold. In some regions, they also serve as social gathering places where people can have fresh milk or milk-based drinks.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Lechería' is the place (dairy shop/farm) while 'lechero' is the person who works with milk (milkman/dairy farmer).
This word:
Vamos a la lechería a comprar leche fresca.
Let's go to the dairy shop to buy fresh milk.
Confused word:
El lechero entrega botellas de leche cada mañana.
The milkman delivers bottles of milk every morning.
Notes: Both words are derived from 'leche' (milk) but with different suffixes that change their meaning.
Mnemonic: 'Lechería' ends with '-ía' like many place names (panadería, librería), while 'lechero' ends with '-ero' like many profession names (panadero, librero).
Explanation: While they sound similar, 'lechería' refers to a dairy shop or farm, while 'lechuga' means 'lettuce'.
Confused word:
Añade lechuga a la ensalada.
Add lettuce to the salad.
Notes: Despite both starting with 'lech-', they are completely unrelated words with different meanings.
Mnemonic: 'Lechuga' has a 'g' sound in the middle, think 'lettuce has a crunch (g sound)'.