plaza
Lemma Details
Translation: square; plaza; public square; marketplace; position; job; post; vacancy
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Plaza comes from Latin 'platea' meaning 'broad street' or 'open space', which itself derives from Greek 'plateia', meaning 'broad way'. The English word 'place' shares this same Latin root. In Spanish, the word evolved to specifically denote a public square or open urban space, while in English contexts, 'plaza' was borrowed directly from Spanish to describe similar architectural features, especially in Spanish-influenced regions.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Nos encontraremos en la plaza del pueblo.
We'll meet in the town square.
Hay una plaza vacante en la empresa.
There's a job vacancy in the company.
La plaza estaba llena de gente durante el festival.
The square was full of people during the festival.
Solicité una plaza de profesor.
I applied for a teaching position.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'place' with an extra 'za' - a plaza is a special place in Spanish towns.
- Plaza sounds like 'placer' (pleasure) - plazas are pleasant places where people gather.
- For the job meaning, imagine applying for a position (plaza) in the middle of a town square (also plaza).
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish and Latin American culture, the plaza is traditionally the center of community life and social interaction. Most towns and cities are built around a central plaza that typically contains important buildings like the town hall and the main church. Plazas serve as gathering places for festivals, markets, and daily social activities. The concept of 'plaza' as a central public square is fundamental to Spanish urban planning and social structure.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'plaza' refers specifically to a public square or a job position, 'lugar' is a more general term for 'place' or 'location'.
Confused word:
Este es mi lugar favorito.
This is my favorite place.
Notes: Plaza has a more concrete, architectural meaning when referring to a square, while lugar is more abstract.
Mnemonic: Plaza is a specific place (square), while lugar is any place.
Explanation: Though they sound similar, 'plaza' means 'square' or 'position', while 'playa' means 'beach'.
Notes: These words are commonly confused by English speakers due to their similar pronunciation.
Mnemonic: Plaza has a 'z' like 'zone' (a public zone in a city), while playa has a 'y' like 'yay, we're at the beach!'