sin techo
Lemma Details
Translation: homeless; without shelter; roofless
Part of Speech: adjective phrase
Etymology: The phrase 'sin techo' is a compound of the preposition 'sin' (without) and the noun 'techo' (roof). 'Sin' comes from Latin 'sine' (without), while 'techo' derives from Latin 'tectum' (roof, covering), which is related to the verb 'tegere' (to cover). The English cognate of 'tectum' can be found in words like 'protect' (pro + tegere, to cover in front) and 'detect' (de + tegere, to uncover).
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Los voluntarios ayudan a las personas sin techo durante el invierno.
Volunteers help homeless people during winter.
El número de familias sin techo ha aumentado debido a la crisis económica.
The number of homeless families has increased due to the economic crisis.
Hay muchos jóvenes sin techo en las grandes ciudades.
There are many homeless youth in big cities.
Mnemonics
- 'Sin techo' literally means 'without roof' - imagine someone looking up at the sky because they have no roof over their head.
- Think of 'tech' in 'techo' as technology that protects us - without this 'tech', one is exposed to the elements.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
The term 'sin techo' is commonly used in social services, news media, and policy discussions about homelessness in Spanish-speaking countries. It emphasizes the lack of physical shelter rather than the broader concept of homelessness that might include social disconnection.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'sin techo' (without roof) emphasizes the lack of physical shelter, 'sin hogar' (without home) emphasizes the lack of a permanent residence and can have broader social implications.
Notes: Both terms are used in discussions about homelessness, but 'sin techo' is more focused on the physical aspect of lacking shelter.
Mnemonic: 'Techo' refers specifically to a roof or ceiling, while 'hogar' refers to a home with all its emotional and social connections.