portero
Lemma Details
Translation: goalkeeper; doorman; porter; gatekeeper; janitor
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Derived from Latin 'portarius' meaning 'doorkeeper', from 'porta' (door, gate). The English cognate 'porter' shares this Latin root, though in Spanish 'portero' has expanded to include the sports meaning of 'goalkeeper' which developed from the idea of someone guarding an entrance or passage.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Mnemonics
- Think of 'port' (entrance) + '-ero' (person who does something) = person who guards an entrance
- Visualize a goalkeeper as someone who guards the 'portal' (goal) in soccer
- Connect to English 'porter' who carries things through doors or entrances
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'portero' commonly refers to the person who controls access to apartment buildings or residential complexes. In soccer (fútbol), which is extremely popular in Spanish-speaking countries, 'portero' is the standard term for the goalkeeper position.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Portero' is the person who guards or manages a door, while 'puerta' is the actual door itself.
This word:
El portero abrió la puerta para los residentes.
The doorman opened the door for the residents.
Confused word:
La puerta está cerrada con llave.
The door is locked.
Notes: The words are etymologically related, both coming from Latin words related to doors and entrances.
Mnemonic: 'Portero' ends with '-ero' indicating a person who does something, while 'puerta' is the object itself.
Explanation: 'Portero' is someone who guards a door or goal, while 'portador' is a carrier or bearer of something.
Confused word:
El portador de la carta esperaba una respuesta.
The bearer of the letter was waiting for a response.
Notes: Both words share the root 'port-' but have different functions and contexts.
Mnemonic: Think of 'portador' as someone who 'ports' (carries) something, while 'portero' stays at the 'port' (door).