puerto
Lemma Details
Translation: port; harbor; seaport; gateway; mountain pass
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Latin 'portus' meaning 'harbor, haven'. This shares the same Latin root as the English words 'port' and 'portal'. The Latin term originally referred to a passage or entrance, which explains why 'puerto' in Spanish can refer both to a harbor (an entrance from the sea) and a mountain pass (a passage through mountains). The Proto-Indo-European root *per- (to lead, pass over) is also the source of English 'fare', 'ford', and 'ferry'.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El barco llegó al puerto esta mañana.
The ship arrived at the port this morning.
Barcelona tiene uno de los puertos más importantes del Mediterráneo.
Barcelona has one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean.
Los ciclistas tuvieron que subir un puerto muy empinado.
The cyclists had to climb a very steep mountain pass.
Puerto Rico recibió su nombre por su excelente puerto natural.
Puerto Rico received its name for its excellent natural harbor.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'port' in English - they sound similar and have the same meaning.
- Picture a 'portal' to the sea (for harbor) or through mountains (for mountain pass).
- The 'puer' in puerto sounds like 'portal' - a gateway for ships or travelers.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Ports have been crucial to Spanish history and economy since ancient times, with cities like Barcelona, Valencia, and Cádiz developing around important ports. The term is also significant in Spanish geography due to the mountainous terrain of the Iberian Peninsula, where mountain passes ('puertos de montaña') are important transportation routes and feature prominently in cycling competitions like La Vuelta a España.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Puerto' means 'port' or 'harbor', while 'puerta' means 'door'. They share the same Latin root but have evolved to refer to different types of entrances.
Notes: Both words come from Latin terms related to passages or entrances, but 'puerto' specifically evolved to refer to maritime harbors and mountain passes, while 'puerta' refers to the physical barrier that closes an entrance to a building or room.
Mnemonic: 'Puerto' ends with 'o' like 'ocean' - where ports are located. 'Puerta' ends with 'a' like 'access' - which is what doors provide.
Explanation: 'Puerto' means 'port' or 'harbor', while 'puerco' means 'pig' or can be used as an adjective meaning 'dirty'.
Confused word:
El puerco está en el corral.
The pig is in the pen.
Notes: These words look similar but have completely different meanings and etymologies.
Mnemonic: 'Puerto' has a 't' like 'transport' - which happens at ports. 'Puerco' has a 'c' like 'creature' - which a pig is.