tianguis
Lemma Details
Translation: open-air market; street market; marketplace
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Nahuatl 'tianquiztli', meaning 'marketplace'. This word has been used in Mexico since pre-Columbian times to describe traditional indigenous markets. The Nahuatl term was adopted into Mexican Spanish during the colonial period and has remained an important cultural term describing these distinctive marketplaces that continue to be central to Mexican commerce and community life.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 10%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Mnemonics
- Think of 'tianguis' as 'the-anguish' of shopping through crowded market stalls (though it's actually a pleasant experience for many).
- Associate the 'ti' sound with 'teaming' and 'anguis' with 'anguish' to remember a 'teaming, bustling marketplace'.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Tianguis are deeply embedded in Mexican culture and daily life, especially in central and southern Mexico. These markets typically operate on specific days of the week in designated areas, selling everything from fresh produce and prepared foods to clothing, crafts, and household items. They represent a continuation of pre-Hispanic trading traditions and are important social gathering places in many communities. The term is primarily used in Mexico and is less common in other Spanish-speaking countries, which might use terms like 'mercado' or 'feria' for similar concepts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'mercado' is the general Spanish word for 'market', 'tianguis' specifically refers to traditional open-air markets with indigenous roots in Mexico. 'Mercado' can refer to any type of market, including permanent indoor markets.
Confused word:
El mercado municipal está abierto todos los días.
The municipal market is open every day.
Notes: In Mexico, people understand the cultural distinction between these terms, but in other Spanish-speaking countries, 'tianguis' might not be recognized.
Mnemonic: Tianguis is temporary (both start with 'T'), while a mercado is more permanent.