portar
Lemma Details
Translation: to carry; to bear; to wear; to behave; to conduct oneself
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Latin 'portare' meaning 'to carry, transport'. This Latin root also gives us English words like 'portable', 'porter' (one who carries luggage), 'import', 'export', 'transport', and 'report'. The core meaning of movement or carrying something from one place to another is preserved across these cognates.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'portable' items that you can carry around.
- Remember 'porter' in English is someone who carries luggage - they 'port' things.
- For the behavior meaning, imagine how you 'carry yourself' as an expression for behavior in English.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish, 'portar' is commonly used to describe carrying objects, but it's also frequently used in reflexive form ('portarse') to describe behavior or conduct, which is less intuitive for English speakers.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Portar' means to carry or bear, while 'aportar' means to contribute or provide something.
Notes: The prefix 'a-' changes the meaning from simply carrying to contributing or providing.
Mnemonic: Think of 'aportar' as 'a-port-ar' - to bring something TO a place or situation (contribution).
Explanation: 'Portar' means to carry, while 'importar' means to import or to matter/be important.
Confused word:
No me importa lo que digan.
I don't care what they say.
Notes: While 'importar' can mean to import goods, it's more commonly used to express importance or concern.
Mnemonic: Think of 'import' in English - bringing things IN (im-) or being of significance.