rancho
Lemma Details
Translation: ranch; farm; hut; settlement; meal; group; camp
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Old Spanish rancho, from French ranger ('to arrange'). Originally referred to a place where people could gather and eat, later evolving to mean a rural property or settlement. The English word 'ranch' is actually borrowed from Spanish 'rancho', showing how the concept of large agricultural estates spread from Spanish colonial culture to American English.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Mi abuelo vive en un rancho en las afueras de la ciudad.
My grandfather lives on a ranch on the outskirts of the city.
Los soldados prepararon el rancho para toda la tropa.
The soldiers prepared the meal for the entire troop.
Nos reunimos en el rancho para celebrar el cumpleaños de mi padre.
We gathered at the ranch to celebrate my father's birthday.
Mnemonics
- Think of a 'ranch' in English - it's the same concept and similar sound.
- Remember 'rancho' as a place where people 'arrange' themselves (connecting to its etymology from 'ranger').
- Picture a 'rancho' as where cowboys 'wrangle' cattle.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Latin American culture, especially Mexico and the southwestern United States, 'rancho' has significant cultural importance representing rural lifestyle, agriculture, and cattle raising. It's associated with traditional values and often romanticized in music (rancheras) and literature. In some contexts, it can also refer to a simple meal shared among workers or soldiers.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'rancho' refers to the physical place or property, 'ranchera' typically refers to a style of traditional Mexican music associated with ranch life.
Notes: 'Ranchera' can also refer to a female rancher or a type of sauce or dish.
Mnemonic: 'Rancho' is the place, 'ranchera' is the music you hear at that place.
Explanation: 'Rancho' (ranch) and 'gancho' (hook) sound similar but have completely different meanings.
This word:
Visitamos el rancho de mi tío el fin de semana.
We visited my uncle's ranch on the weekend.
Confused word:
Colgué mi abrigo en el gancho.
I hung my coat on the hook.
Notes: The 'r' vs 'g' distinction at the beginning is the key difference in pronunciation.
Mnemonic: 'Gancho' has a 'G' like 'grab' - it's something that grabs or hooks things.