puerta
Wordform Details
Translation: doorgateentrance
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
femininesingularIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma Details
Translation: door; gate; entrance; doorway
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Latin 'porta' meaning 'gate' or 'entrance'. The Latin term evolved from Proto-Indo-European *prtu- ('passage'). English words like 'portal' and 'port' share this same Latin root. Spanish changed the Latin 'o' to 'ue' through a common sound shift called diphthongization that occurred in stressed syllables during the evolution from Latin to Spanish.
Commonality: 95%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Por favor, cierra la puerta al salir.
Please close the door when you leave.
Alguien está llamando a la puerta.
Someone is knocking on the door.
Esta oportunidad te abrirá muchas puertas.
This opportunity will open many doors for you.
La reunión se celebró a puerta cerrada.
The meeting was held behind closed doors.
Mnemonics
- Think of a 'port' (related to the Latin root 'porta') as a doorway for ships.
- The 'ue' in puerta sounds like 'way' in English - it's a doorWAY.
- Associate with English 'portal' - a magical door or entrance.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Spanish culture, doors have symbolic significance beyond their functional purpose. The expression 'mi casa es tu casa' (my house is your house) reflects the cultural value of hospitality, with the door representing welcome. In architectural terms, traditional Spanish doors are often ornate and distinctive, particularly in historic buildings.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'puerta' means 'door' or 'entrance', 'puerto' means 'port' or 'harbor'. They share the same Latin root 'porta' but evolved to have different meanings.
Notes: Both words are extremely common in Spanish. 'Puerto' can also refer to a mountain pass.
Mnemonic: 'PuertA' ends with 'A' for Access (door), while 'puertO' ends with 'O' for Ocean (port).
Explanation: 'Puerta' refers to the actual door, while 'portal' in Spanish refers to the entrance hall or doorway of a building.
Confused word:
Nos encontramos en el portal del edificio.
We met in the entrance hall of the building.
Notes: In some contexts, these words can be used interchangeably, but 'portal' typically refers to a more elaborate entrance.
Mnemonic: Think of 'portal' as the larger area that contains the 'puerta'.