salida
Lemma Details
Translation: exit; way out; departure; solution; output
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Derived from the verb 'salir' (to exit, to go out), which comes from Latin 'salire' meaning 'to leap, jump'. The English word 'sally' (a sudden charge or sortie) shares this Latin root. The '-ida' suffix in Spanish forms nouns from verbs, indicating the result or action of the verb, similar to how '-ing' or '-tion' works in English.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
La salida está al final del pasillo.
The exit is at the end of the hallway.
No encuentro salida a este problema.
I can't find a solution to this problem.
La salida del avión se retrasó por mal tiempo.
The departure of the plane was delayed due to bad weather.
Este dispositivo tiene varias salidas de audio.
This device has several audio outputs.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'salida' as 'sal' (salt) + 'ida' (gone) - like salt that has gone out of a shaker.
- Connect it to the English word 'sally' (a sudden charge outward) to remember it means 'exit'.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, you'll often see 'SALIDA' signs in public buildings indicating exits. The word is also commonly used in everyday contexts to discuss solutions to problems ('buscar una salida') or departures ('la salida del tren').
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Salida' means 'exit' or 'departure' while 'saludo' means 'greeting'. They look similar but come from different verbs: 'salir' (to exit) vs 'saludar' (to greet).
Notes: Both words are common in everyday Spanish, but they belong to completely different semantic fields.
Mnemonic: 'Salida' ends with '-ida' like 'ida' (gone) - something that has left. 'Saludo' ends with '-udo' which can remind you of 'you do' a greeting.
Explanation: 'Salida' means 'exit' while 'saldo' means 'balance' or 'remainder' (often in financial contexts).
Notes: 'Saldo' is primarily used in banking and commerce, while 'salida' has broader applications.
Mnemonic: Think of 'saldo' as related to 'salary' or money matters, while 'salida' is related to 'sally forth' or going out.