Spanish Word of the Day: Ardilla (squirrel)

The word ardilla (squirrel) comes from the Latin word ardere, which means to burn. It’s believed that the word was given to the ardilla because of the energy and speed with which these cute and furry animals move. Latin American Pronunciation European Pronunciation Ardilla is a feminine noun and takes the following definite and indefinite …

Read more

Spanish Word of the Day: Tocino (bacon)

The word tocino derives from the Latin word tursinus, meaning fat or grease. Tocino is bacon in English and it’s what we know as the cured fat we get from pork. Latin American Pronunciation European Pronunciation Tocino is a masculine noun, countable or uncountable. Therefore, its English plural form can be bacon or bacons, though …

Read more

Spanish Word of the Day: Ojalá (hopefully)

The word ojalá originates from the Arabic phrase in shā’ Allāh, translating to if God wills or God willing. This reflects the historical influence of the Moorish occupation of Spain, which lasted from 711 to 1492. Latin American Pronunciation European Pronunciation The best translations for ojalá are I hope, I wish, and hopefully, a term frequently …

Read more

Spanish Word of the Day: Decepcionado/a (disappointed)

The word decepcionado / decepcionada derives from the Latin verb deceptio, which means to deceive or fraud. The Spanish verb for deceptio is decepcionar (to disappoint). When the suffix -ado is added to a base word, it means an action is happening. In this word, the person is feeling disappointed. Latin American Pronunciation European Pronunciation …

Read more

Spanish Word of the Day: Conejo (rabbit)

Rabbits are unique animals with long ears and an incredible hopping and running ability. These fascinating creatures are found in the wild and also make great pets. Their Spanish name, conejo, comes from the Latin word cuniculus, which originally referred to a rabbit or hare.  Latin American Pronunciation European Pronunciation This animal is typically referred …

Read more

Spanish Word of the Day: Avaro (stingy / cheap)

Is there someone in your life who would complain about paying even a dollar more when you divides la cuenta (split the bill)? If so, you could easily call him avaro, a word with many possible English translations including stingy, cheap, avaricious, greedy, grasping, miserly, penny-pinching, or tight-fisted. In short, it describes someone who is …

Read more