puertecilla
Lemma Details
Translation: small door; little door; hatch
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Diminutive of 'puerta' (door) with the suffix '-ecilla', which is a diminutive form in Spanish. 'Puerta' comes from Latin 'porta' (gate, door), which is related to English words like 'portal' and 'port'. The diminutive suffix '-ecilla' adds the meaning of smallness or endearment.
Commonality: 30%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'puerta' (door) + '-ecilla' (tiny) = 'tiny door'
- Imagine a dollhouse with tiny 'puertecillas' that you can open and close
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Used in everyday Spanish, particularly when referring to small doors in furniture, cabinets, or decorative elements in traditional Spanish architecture.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: Both are diminutives of 'puerta' (door), but 'puertecilla' uses the suffix '-ecilla' while 'puertecita' uses '-ecita'. They are essentially synonyms with very subtle differences in connotation, with 'puertecilla' sometimes implying something even smaller or more delicate.
This word:
La puertecilla del horno no cierra bien.
The small door of the oven doesn't close properly.
Confused word:
La puertecita de la casita de muñecas es de madera.
The little door of the dollhouse is made of wood.
Notes: Both diminutive forms are valid and often interchangeable in everyday speech.
Mnemonic: 'Puertecilla' has more letters, suggesting something more elaborate or ornate than 'puertecita'.