Spanish Word of the Day: Ventana (window / nostril)

When you look out your ventana (window) in the morning, what do you see? Do you see other casas (houses)? Or perhaps the montañas (mountains)? Some lucky people may even catch a glimpse of el mar (the sea). Latin American Pronunciation European Pronunciation Ventana is a feminine noun that comes from from the Vulgar Latin …

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Spanish Word of the Day: Piña (pineapple)

Pineapples are delicious tropical fruits that grow from a unique plant. Inside their golden-brown rough skin, they are filled with sweet and juicy yellow flesh. Their vibrant flavour makes them perfect for a summer drink or a fresh snack. The term piña derives from the Latin word pinea, meaning cone. This name was chosen because …

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Spanish Word of the Day: Patata (potato)

With many people nowadays opting for a low-carb diet, they might be steering clear of my favourite food: potatoes. Interestingly, the English word potato actually comes from the Spanish patata, which itself has its roots in Latin America. It’s reported that the sweet potato was the first type of potato the Spanish encountered during their …

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Spanish Word of the Day: Esquina (corner)

The Spanish word esquina translates to corner in English. It originates from the Gothic word skĭna, which is related to the Old High German word scina. Latin American Pronunciation European Pronunciation The word esquina is a feminine noun that takes the following definite and indefinite articles: It is used for different types of corners, such …

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Spanish Word of the Day: Charco (puddle / pond)

Peppa Pig is one of my son’s favourite TV shows, and anyone who watches it, even casually, knows her favorite pastime – jumping in muddy puddles! A puddle in Spanish is known as a charco. Latin American Pronunciation European Pronunciation The etymology of this word is uncertain. Many consider it to be imitative, or a …

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Spanish Word of the Day: Caimán (alligator)

With their huge jaws, scaly skin, and sharp claws, these cold-blooded creatures are top predators in the animal kingdom. Let’s learn more about the alligator and the corresponding Spanish word caimán. Latin American Pronunciation European Pronunciation The origin of caimán is unknown, but it’s believed to have come from acayuman, a word from the Taíno …

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