portátil
Lemma Details
Translation: portable; laptop; notebook computer
Part of Speech: adjective
Etymology: From Latin 'portabilis' meaning 'that can be carried', derived from 'portare' (to carry) and the suffix '-abilis' (able to be). The English word 'portable' shares the same Latin root, making them cognates. The accent on the 'á' indicates stress on that syllable, distinguishing it from the pattern of most Spanish words which stress the penultimate syllable.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 90%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Necesito comprar un portátil nuevo para la universidad.
I need to buy a new laptop for university.
Este equipo de música es portátil, puedes llevarlo a la playa.
This music system is portable, you can take it to the beach.
Prefiero trabajar con un ordenador portátil que con uno de escritorio.
I prefer working with a laptop rather than a desktop computer.
Mnemonics
- Think 'port-able' - something you can carry through a port or doorway.
- The 'til' in portátil sounds like 'till' - imagine carrying your laptop till you reach your destination.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'portátil' is commonly used as both an adjective to describe portable items and as a noun to specifically refer to laptop computers. This dual usage is widespread across all Spanish-speaking regions, though some countries like Mexico might prefer 'laptop' as a loanword from English.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'portátil' means 'portable' or 'laptop', 'portal' means 'portal' or 'gateway'. They look similar but have different meanings and stress patterns.
Notes: The stress in 'portátil' is on the second syllable (por-TÁ-til), while in 'portal' it's on the first syllable (POR-tal).
Mnemonic: 'PortÁtil' has an accent on the 'á' and refers to something you carry; 'portal' has no accent and refers to an entrance.
Explanation: This is simply the misspelled version of 'portátil' without the accent mark. The accent is crucial as it indicates the stress on the second-to-last syllable.
Confused word:
Escribió 'portatil' sin acento, lo cual es incorrecto.
They wrote 'portatil' without an accent, which is incorrect.
Notes: Without the accent, the word would naturally be stressed on the last syllable according to Spanish pronunciation rules, which would be incorrect.
Mnemonic: Remember the accent in portÁtil - it carries (porta) the stress on the Á.