ruta
Lemma Details
Translation: route; path; road; way; itinerary; course
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Derived from Latin 'rupta' (feminine form of 'ruptus', meaning 'broken'), which was short for 'via rupta' meaning 'broken way' or 'path cut through'. This refers to roads that were cut through forests or difficult terrain. The English word 'route' shares the same Latin origin, making them cognates. The concept of 'breaking through' to create a path is central to understanding this word's original meaning.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Tomamos la ruta más corta para llegar al aeropuerto.
We took the shortest route to get to the airport.
La ruta está bloqueada por un accidente.
The road is blocked by an accident.
El GPS nos indicó una ruta alternativa.
The GPS showed us an alternative route.
La Ruta 66 es famosa en los Estados Unidos.
Route 66 is famous in the United States.
Planificamos nuestra ruta antes de comenzar el viaje.
We planned our itinerary before starting the trip.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'route' in English, which sounds and means almost the same thing.
- Remember 'ruta' by thinking of 'rooting' through difficult terrain to create a path.
- Picture a 'root' (similar sound) growing and creating a path through soil.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'rutas' often refer to national highways (e.g., 'Ruta 40' in Argentina is a famous highway). The term is also important in tourism contexts, where 'rutas' can refer to themed journeys like wine routes ('rutas del vino') or historical paths. In Latin America, 'ruteros' are common maps that show bus or transportation routes.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Ruta' means 'route' or 'path', while 'ruda' is the herb 'rue' used in traditional medicine and cooking. They differ by just one vowel.
Confused word:
La ruda es una planta medicinal con un olor fuerte.
Rue is a medicinal plant with a strong smell.
Notes: The pronunciation difference is subtle but important: 'ruta' has a clear 't' sound, while 'ruda' has a softer 'd' sound.
Mnemonic: 'Ruta' has a 't' like 'travel' and 'trip', while 'ruda' has a 'd' like the herb in your 'diet'.
Explanation: 'Ruta' means 'route', while 'rota' means 'broken' (feminine form of 'roto'). Despite their similar appearance, they have completely different meanings.
Notes: Interestingly, 'ruta' etymologically comes from 'rupta' (broken), showing how language evolves to create distinct words from related concepts.
Mnemonic: 'Ruta' with 'u' is for 'u' to travel on, while 'rota' with 'o' is like an 'O' that's broken.