puerta trasera
Lemma Details
Translation: back door; rear door; backdoor
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Compound of 'puerta' (door) from Latin 'porta' (gate, entrance) and 'trasera' (rear, back) from Latin 'trans' (across, beyond). The English cognate 'portal' shares the same Latin root as 'puerta'. The concept of a secondary entrance at the back of a building is common across many cultures and languages.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Entra por la puerta trasera para no despertar a nadie.
Come in through the back door so you don't wake anyone up.
Los ladrones entraron por la puerta trasera.
The thieves entered through the back door.
El programador instaló una puerta trasera en el sistema.
The programmer installed a backdoor in the system.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'puerta' as 'portal' (an entrance) and 'trasera' as 'the rear'.
- Visualize a house with a door at the back - 'puerta trasera'.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In computing contexts, 'puerta trasera' is also used as the Spanish equivalent of 'backdoor', referring to a hidden way to bypass normal authentication in a system. In everyday usage, it can sometimes carry connotations of secrecy or hidden access, similar to English.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Puerta trasera' specifically refers to a door at the back of a building, while 'puerta lateral' refers to a side door.
This word:
Salimos por la puerta trasera del restaurante.
We exited through the back door of the restaurant.
Notes: In some contexts, these terms might be used interchangeably if a building's layout makes the distinction unclear.
Mnemonic: 'Trasera' contains 'tras' which sounds like 'tras' (behind) in Spanish, while 'lateral' clearly indicates 'side'.
Explanation: While both can be at the back of a building, a 'puerta trasera' is a regular door, whereas 'salida de emergencia' is specifically designated for emergency use.
This word:
Usa la puerta trasera para entrar sin ser visto.
Use the back door to enter without being seen.
Confused word:
La salida de emergencia debe permanecer despejada.
The emergency exit must remain clear.
Notes: A 'salida de emergencia' often has special markings and push-bar mechanisms, while a 'puerta trasera' is typically a standard door.
Mnemonic: Think of 'emergencia' as clearly indicating its special purpose for emergencies only.