salto
Lemma Details
Translation: jump; leap; hop; skip; bound; fall; drop
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Latin 'saltus' meaning 'leap' or 'jump', derived from the verb 'salire' (to leap). This Latin root also gives us English words like 'somersault', 'assault', 'insult' (originally meaning 'to jump at' or 'jump on'), and 'resilient' (literally 'to jump back'). The connection between jumping and these concepts helps understand how physical movement metaphors evolved into more abstract meanings.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 50%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Dio un salto para alcanzar la rama.
He took a jump to reach the branch.
El salto de agua es impresionante.
The waterfall is impressive.
Su carrera dio un salto después de ganar el premio.
His career took a leap after winning the award.
El salto del tigre fue majestuoso.
The tiger's leap was majestic.
Hay un salto de página al final del capítulo.
There's a page break at the end of the chapter.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'assault' in English, which originally meant 'to jump at' someone.
- Imagine a 'salt' shaker jumping on your table - 'salt' + 'o' = 'salto'.
- Connect it to 'somersault' which contains the same Latin root.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'salto' is commonly used in sports contexts, especially in athletics and gymnastics. The term 'salto base' refers to BASE jumping, an extreme sport. 'Salto' is also used metaphorically to describe significant changes or transitions in life or career.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Salto' means 'jump' or 'leap', while 'saludo' means 'greeting'. They look similar but have completely different meanings.
Notes: Both words come from different Latin roots: 'salto' from 'saltus' (jump) and 'saludo' from 'salutare' (to greet).
Mnemonic: 'Saludo' ends with 'do' like 'hello-do' - something you do when greeting someone.
Explanation: 'Salto' means 'jump' while 'saldo' means 'balance' (financial) or 'remainder'.
Notes: Just one letter difference changes the meaning completely.
Mnemonic: 'Saldo' contains 'ld' like in 'sold' - relating to money and financial transactions.