verde
Lemma Details
Translation: green; unripe; immature; inexperienced
Part of Speech: adjective
Etymology: From Latin 'viridis' meaning 'green, youthful, fresh', which derives from the Proto-Indo-European root *weis- ('to grow'). This same root gave English words like 'viridity' (greenness) and influenced 'verdant'. The connection between greenness and immaturity or inexperience exists in both Spanish and English, as seen in phrases like 'green with envy' or 'greenhorn' for an inexperienced person.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Me gusta el color verde.
I like the color green.
Esta fruta está muy verde todavía.
This fruit is still very unripe.
Es un político verde, sin experiencia.
He's a green politician, without experience.
Necesitamos más espacios verdes en la ciudad.
We need more green spaces in the city.
El proyecto recibió luz verde para continuar.
The project received the green light to continue.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'verdant' in English, which means lush and green.
- Verde sounds like 'verdure' which refers to green vegetation.
- Associate with 'verdad' (truth) - 'the truth is as clear as green grass'.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'verde' has environmental connotations similar to English, but also has cultural associations with hope and permission. In Mexico, 'verde' is associated with the national flag and patriotism. The phrase 'viejo verde' (dirty old man) is a common cultural expression that uses 'verde' to connote lewdness or inappropriate sexual interest from older men.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'verde' means 'green', 'verdad' means 'truth'. They look and sound similar but have completely different meanings.
Notes: These words share the same root letters 'verd-' but have different etymological origins.
Mnemonic: Verde ends with 'de' like 'jade' (a green stone), while verdad ends with 'dad' like 'dad tells the truth'.
Explanation: 'Verde' is the color green, while 'verter' is a verb meaning 'to pour' or 'to spill'.
Notes: The conjugated forms of 'verter' might look even more similar to 'verde' in some cases.
Mnemonic: Verter has 'ter' at the end like 'water' - something you pour.