puertas del cielo
/pweɾtas del θjelo/from spelling rules
The phrase "gates of heaven" in Spanish is puertas del cielo.
This phrase refers to the entrance to paradise in the afterlife.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of puertas (gates), del (of the) and cielo (heaven/sky).
Which one should you use?
You can use las puertas del paraíso as an alternative way to express the concept of the gates of paradise. If you wish to refer to a single gate rather than multiple gates, use the singular la puerta del cielo.
How does it change in a sentence?
To switch from the plural "gates" to a singular "gate", use la puerta del cielo.
How do you pronounce it?
/pweɾtas del θjelo/
Did you know?
- The word cielo does not only mean 'heaven' or 'sky', but is also used as a term of endearment for a loved one, much like saying 'darling' or 'sweetheart' in English.
- The word cielo shares an ancient Indo-European root with the English word 'whole', suggesting a historical connection between the concept of the sky and a 'complete' or 'all-encompassing' entity.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, if someone says estás en el cielo, they might not be talking about the afterlife, but rather expressing that you are experiencing extreme happiness or bliss.
Examples in context
- Después de una vida llena de bondad, esperan que sus almas encuentren las Puertas del Cielo.After a life filled with goodness, they hope their souls find the Gates of Heaven.
- Ellos creen en las puertas del cielo.They believe in the gates of heaven.
- La película muestra las puertas del cielo.The movie shows the gates of heaven.
- Cantar es como abrir las puertas del cielo.Singing is like opening the gates of heaven.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are discussing a beautiful piece of music.
- Javier¿Te gusta esta música, Lucía?Do you like this music, Lucía?
- LucíaSí, es una melodía divina.Yes, it is a divine melody.
- JavierParece que toca las puertas del cielo.It seems like it touches the gates of heaven.
- LucíaTienes razón, Javier, es bellísima.You are right, Javier, it is beautiful.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cielo, del, CC BY-SA 4.0.
