proyecto
Lemma Details
Translation: project; plan; draft; design; scheme
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Derived from Latin 'projectum', the neuter past participle of 'proicere' meaning 'to throw forward', from 'pro-' (forward) + 'jacere' (to throw). This shares the same Latin root as the English word 'project'. The concept of 'throwing forward' evolved to mean a plan or proposal that is put forward or projected into the future.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Este proyecto requiere mucha planificación.
This project requires a lot of planning.
Estamos trabajando en un proyecto importante para la empresa.
We are working on an important project for the company.
El proyecto de construcción terminará el próximo mes.
The construction project will end next month.
Presentó su proyecto final para la clase de diseño.
He presented his final project for the design class.
El gobierno ha aprobado un nuevo proyecto de ley.
The government has approved a new bill.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'pro' (forward) + 'yecto' (similar to 'eject' in English) - like 'throwing forward' a plan.
- Sounds like 'project' in English, with just a Spanish pronunciation.
- Visualize an architect's blueprint being 'projected' onto a screen - a visual plan for the future.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking academic and professional environments, 'proyecto' is frequently used to refer to both educational assignments and business initiatives. In many Latin American countries, government-sponsored development programs are often called 'proyectos', highlighting their importance in public policy and social development.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'proyecto' refers to a plan or design, 'prospecto' typically means a prospectus, brochure, or a potential candidate/customer.
This word:
Necesitamos terminar el proyecto antes del viernes.
We need to finish the project before Friday.
Confused word:
Me dieron un prospecto con información sobre el medicamento.
They gave me a leaflet with information about the medication.
Notes: 'Prospecto' is often used in pharmaceutical contexts for medication information leaflets, while 'proyecto' is used in planning and development contexts.
Mnemonic: 'Proyecto' has 'y' like 'yes, we have a plan'; 'prospecto' has 's' like 'see the information'.
Explanation: 'Proyecto' is a concrete plan or design, while 'propósito' refers to purpose, intention, or aim.
This word:
El proyecto de renovación costará mucho dinero.
The renovation project will cost a lot of money.
Confused word:
Mi propósito es mejorar mi español este año.
My purpose is to improve my Spanish this year.
Notes: 'Propósito' is more abstract and relates to intentions, while 'proyecto' is more concrete and relates to plans with specific steps.
Mnemonic: 'Proyecto' contains 'yect' (like 'eject') - something tangible you can put out; 'propósito' contains 'pósito' (sounds like 'positive') - a positive intention.