puertas
/pweɾtas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "gates" is translated into Spanish as puertas.
puertas refers to hinged barriers used to close an opening in a wall or fence.
Which one should you use?
In Spanish, the word puertas is used to mean both "gates" and "doors".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the term rejas is used to describe gates, particularly those made of metal bars or railings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form is puerta. As a feminine noun, puertas uses the feminine article las (las puertas).
How do you pronounce it?
/pweɾtas/
Did you know?
- The word puerta shares a linguistic root with the English word 'port', as both derive from the Latin 'porta', referring to a gateway or entrance.
- The phrase puertas adentro literally means 'inside the doors' but is used idiomatically to describe private family matters or internal affairs.
- In certain coastal regions, a 'gate' made of stone or heavy wood used to control water or large paths might be called a portillo, a term that sounds much more specialized than the common puerta.
Examples in context
- ¡Aníbal a las puertas!Hannibal at the gates!This sentence is useful for illustrating the phrase using puertas.Tatoeba #11259855 by Adelpa, translation #11260462 by Adelpa
- ¿Dónde se encuentran las rejas del parque?Where are the metal gates of the park?
- Asegúrate de cerrar bien las verjas de la entrada.Make sure to close the entrance gates properly.
- Las puertas del jardín están abiertas.The garden gates are open.
- Cierra las puertas de madera.Close the wooden gates.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are arriving at a large estate.
- LucíaMira las puertas de la entrada.Look at the entrance gates.
- JavierSí, son impresionantes y muy altas.Yes, they are impressive and very tall.
- Lucía¿Crees que las puertas estén abiertas?Do you think the gates are open?
- JavierParece que están cerradas con llave.It looks like they are locked.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
