pie
Wordform Details
Translation: footbase
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
masculinesingularIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma Details
Translation: foot; base; bottom; leg
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Latin 'pes, pedis' (foot), which shares the same Indo-European root as English 'foot' and 'pedestrian'. The Latin word evolved to 'pie' in Spanish through regular sound changes. The connection to English is seen in words like 'pedal', 'pedestrian', and 'pedicure', all relating to feet.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Me duele el pie derecho.
My right foot hurts.
Al pie de la montaña hay un pequeño pueblo.
At the foot of the mountain there is a small village.
Viajamos a pie por toda la ciudad.
We traveled on foot throughout the city.
La mesa tiene cuatro pies.
The table has four legs.
Siempre pone el pie en la puerta para que no se cierre.
He always puts his foot in the door so it doesn't close.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'pie' as the base on which you stand, like a 'piece' of your body that touches the ground.
- Connect it to English 'pedestrian' (ped- root) to remember it means 'foot'.
- Imagine your feet as 'pies' that help you walk on a path.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Spanish culture, 'pie' appears in many idioms and expressions related to position, status, and movement. The concept of feet is important in Spanish dance forms like flamenco, where footwork (zapateado) is essential.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Pie' in Spanish means 'foot', while 'pastel' is the Spanish word for 'cake' or 'pie' (the dessert). English speakers often confuse these because 'pie' in English is a dessert.
Confused word:
Mi abuela hizo un pastel de manzana delicioso.
My grandmother made a delicious apple pie.
Notes: This is one of the most common false friends for English speakers learning Spanish.
Mnemonic: Remember: Spanish 'pie' is for walking, not for eating!
Explanation: While 'pie' refers specifically to a human foot, 'pata' typically refers to an animal's leg or paw, though it can be used colloquially for human legs in some contexts.
Confused word:
El perro levantó la pata para marcar territorio.
The dog raised its leg to mark territory.
Notes: In some regions, 'pata' can be used informally to refer to human legs, but this usage is considered colloquial.
Mnemonic: Think: 'pie' is for people, 'pata' is for pets.