planta
Lemma Details
Translation: plant; floor (of a building); sole (of foot); factory; plan
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Latin 'planta' meaning 'sprout', 'shoot', or 'sole of the foot'. The English word 'plant' shares this Latin root. The meaning expanded in Spanish to include 'floor of a building' (as in a horizontal level) and 'factory' (as in an industrial plant). The connection between these meanings relates to the concept of something that is established or placed in a specific location.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Mnemonics
- Think of 'planting' your feet on the floor to remember 'planta' can mean floor.
- A factory 'plants' itself in a location, helping remember why 'planta' also means factory.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, floor numbering often differs from English-speaking countries. The 'planta baja' (ground floor) is typically numbered as 0 or PB, while the first floor above ground is called 'primera planta' (first floor).
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'planta' means plant or floor, 'plantilla' means template, insole, or staff/workforce.
Notes: 'Plantilla' can also refer to the workforce of a company, while 'planta' can refer to the physical factory building.
Mnemonic: Think of 'plantilla' as a small 'planta' (plant) that fits inside your shoe (insole).
Explanation: 'Planta' refers to a physical entity (plant, floor, factory), while 'plan' refers to a scheme or intention.
Notes: Both words are related to the concept of establishing something, but 'plan' is the intention and 'planta' is often the physical manifestation.
Mnemonic: 'Plan' is shorter and more abstract, while 'planta' is longer and refers to concrete things.