portón
Lemma Details
Translation: gate; large door; gateway
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Augmentative form of 'puerta' (door), derived from Latin 'porta' (gate, entrance). The augmentative suffix '-ón' indicates a larger size. English cognates include 'portal' and 'port' (in the sense of entrance). The word emphasizes the grand or substantial nature of the entrance compared to a regular door.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 50%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El portón de la hacienda estaba cerrado con llave.
The gate of the estate was locked.
Abre el portón para que entre el coche.
Open the gate so the car can enter.
Los niños jugaban fútbol frente al portón.
The children were playing soccer in front of the gate.
El portón de hierro forjado data del siglo XVIII.
The wrought iron gate dates back to the 18th century.
Mnemonics
- Think 'port' (entrance) + '-ón' (big) = 'big entrance'
- Imagine a 'portal' that's extra large - that's a 'portón'
- Picture carrying something through a 'port' that needs an 'on'-sized opening (big)
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, especially in rural areas or traditional homes, 'portones' are often prominent features of property entrances, sometimes elaborately designed and serving as status symbols. In urban settings, they commonly refer to garage doors or entrance gates to apartment complexes.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Portón' refers specifically to a large door or gate, while 'puerta' is the general term for any door, typically of standard size.
This word:
Necesitamos pintar el portón de la entrada principal.
We need to paint the main entrance gate.
Notes: The distinction is primarily about size and function - a 'portón' is typically exterior and larger.
Mnemonic: 'Portón' has the ending '-ón' which indicates something larger, so think of it as a 'big puerta'.
Explanation: While 'portón' refers to a physical gate or large door, 'portal' in Spanish typically refers to an entrance hall or doorway to a building.
Confused word:
Dejé las llaves en el portal del edificio.
I left the keys in the entrance hall of the building.
Notes: 'Portal' can also refer to a web portal in modern Spanish, similar to English usage.
Mnemonic: Think of 'portal' as the area you enter after passing through the 'portón'.