plantación

Lemma Details

Translation: plantation; planting; crop

Part of Speech: noun

Etymology: Derived from Latin 'plantatio' (a planting), from the verb 'plantare' (to plant). The English cognate 'plantation' shares the same Latin root. The suffix '-ción' in Spanish indicates an action or its result, similar to English '-tion'. This word emerged in agricultural contexts to describe large estates dedicated to growing specific crops, especially in colonial contexts.

Commonality: 60%

Guessability: 90%

Register: neutral

Mnemonics

  • Think 'plant-action' to remember plantación refers to the action of planting or the place where plants are grown commercially.
  • The English 'plantation' is almost identical, making it easy to remember.

Related Words, Phrases & Idioms

plantar

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No translation

cosecha

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No translation

cultivo intensivo

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No translation

monocultivo

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No translation

Synonyms

hacienda

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No translation

cultivo

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No translation

finca

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No translation

Antonyms

terreno baldío

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desierto

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Cultural Context

In Latin American history, plantaciones were central to colonial economies, particularly for crops like sugar, coffee, tobacco, and cotton. The term carries historical connotations related to colonialism and sometimes to forced labor systems. In modern contexts, it's used more neutrally to refer to large agricultural operations.

Easily Confused With

planta

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No translation

Commonality: 0%

Explanation: While 'plantación' refers to a large area where crops are grown commercially, 'planta' simply means 'plant' (the organism) or can refer to a floor/level of a building.

Notes: Plantación has more economic and historical connotations than the basic word planta.

Mnemonic: Plantación ends with '-ción' (action/result) suggesting organized activity, while planta is the simple organism or object.

planeación

Unknown

No translation

Commonality: 0%

Explanation: Though they sound similar, 'plantación' refers to a plantation or planting, while 'planeación' means 'planning' or 'the act of planning'.

Notes: These words have different Latin roots despite their similar sound in Spanish.

Mnemonic: Plantación has 't' for 'trees and crops', while planeación has no 't' and relates to planning.