ventanuco
Lemma Details
Translation: small window; peephole; tiny window; window hole
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Derived from 'ventana' (window) with the pejorative suffix '-uco', which indicates something small and of poor quality. 'Ventana' itself comes from Latin 'ventus' (wind), as windows were originally openings to let in air. The diminutive suffix '-uco' is particularly common in northern Spain, especially Cantabria, and adds a sense of unattractiveness or inadequacy to the base word.
Commonality: 30%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
La celda solo tenía un ventanuco que daba al patio.
The cell only had a small window facing the courtyard.
La luz entraba débilmente por un ventanuco en la pared.
The light entered weakly through a small window in the wall.
Miró por el ventanuco para ver quién llamaba a la puerta.
He looked through the peephole to see who was knocking at the door.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'ventana' (window) + '-uco' (making it small and somewhat undesirable) = 'a poor little window'
- Imagine a tiny window that barely lets in a 'vent' of air
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In traditional Spanish architecture, ventanucos were common in older buildings, particularly in basements, attics, or service areas where only minimal light or ventilation was needed. They often appear in descriptions of humble dwellings or prison cells in literature.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both refer to small windows, 'ventanilla' is a neutral or even affectionate diminutive, while 'ventanuco' has a pejorative connotation suggesting a window that is not only small but also unattractive or inadequate.
Confused word:
Me senté junto a la ventanilla del avión para ver el paisaje.
I sat by the airplane window to see the landscape.
Notes: 'Ventanilla' can also specifically refer to service windows (like at a bank or ticket office) while 'ventanuco' never has this meaning.
Mnemonic: 'Ventanuco' ends with '-uco' (ugly/poor) while 'ventanilla' ends with '-illa' (cute/nice).
Explanation: 'Ventanal' is an augmentative form meaning a large window or picture window, while 'ventanuco' is a pejorative diminutive for a small, often unattractive window.
Confused word:
El salón tiene un ventanal que da al jardín.
The living room has a large window overlooking the garden.
Notes: 'Ventanal' is often associated with modern, luxurious architecture, while 'ventanuco' is associated with old, humble, or institutional buildings.
Mnemonic: Think of 'ventanal' as 'ventana' + 'al(to)' (high/tall) versus 'ventanuco' as 'ventana' + 'uco' (small and poor).