talar árboles
/talaɾ aɾboles/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'cut down trees' is translated into Spanish as talar árboles.
The phrase is used to describe the act of felling trees by cutting them at the base so that they fall. While the verb talar is specific to felling trees, the more general verb cortar can also mean 'to cut'.
Which one should you use?
talar is the specific verb for felling trees, whereas cortar is a broader term for any kind of cutting. Additionally, derribar árboles is another formal way to express the specific action of felling trees.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, the verb deforestar might be used to express 'to deforest' or 'to clear'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a single tree, use the singular form talar un árbol. To change the phrase from a general concept to a specific one, such as 'to cut down the trees', add the definite article to get talar los árboles.
How do you pronounce it?
/talaɾ aɾboles/
Did you know?
- The verb talar is derived from the Latin word talāris, which originally referred to the ankle or the area around the ankles.
- The formal phrase derribar árboles uses a verb that literally means 'to knock down' or 'to overthrow'.
- While talar is the precise term for felling, using cortar to describe a professional logger might sound strangely amateurish, like saying someone 'cuts' a tree instead of 'felling' it.
Examples in context
- El gobierno autorizó la tala de árboles para la construcción de una nueva carreteraThe government authorized the cutting down of trees for the construction of a new highway
- La empresa está planeando derribar algunos árboles para dar espacio a un centro comercialThe company is planning to fell some trees to make room for a shopping center
- El equipo de trabajo fue enviado a cortar árboles en el bosqueThe work team was sent to cut down trees in the forest
- Mis amigos y yo vamos a talar árboles para hacer leñaMy friends and I are going to cut down trees to make firewood
- Mi abuelo solía cortar árboles en su jardín cada veranoMy grandfather used to cut down trees in his garden every summer
- No está permitido talar árboles en este parque.It is not permitted to cut down trees in this park.
- Tienen que talar árboles en el parque.They have to cut down trees in the park.
- No es legal talar árboles sin permiso.It is not legal to cut down trees without permission.
- Los leñadores van a talar árboles mañana.The loggers are going to cut down trees tomorrow.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are discussing a construction project in their neighborhood.
- LucíaVan a talar árboles para el nuevo centro comercial.They are going to cut down trees for the new shopping center.
- AlejandroEso es terrible, Lucía. No me gusta nada.That is terrible, Lucía. I don't like it at all.
- LucíaSí, deberían buscar otro lugar para construir.Yes, they should look for another place to build.
- AlejandroTienes razón, Alejandro está de acuerdo contigo.You are right, Alejandro agrees with you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries talar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
