puerta principal
/pweɾta pɾinθipal/from spelling rules
The English phrase "main gate" is translated into Spanish as puerta principal.
While puerta often refers to a door, in the context of a building, estate or enclosure, it is the standard way to refer to a "gate".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of puerta (door/gate) and principal (main/principal).
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, both the noun and the adjective must change to their plural forms: puertas principales.
How do you pronounce it?
/pweɾta pɾinθipal/
Did you know?
- In certain Latin American contexts, the puerta principal is culturally viewed as a threshold for luck, leading to superstitions about what should or should not be placed facing it.
- In old Spanish architecture, the puerta principal was often designed with a zagúan, a small hallway or vestibule that prevents strangers from seeing directly into the home.
- The word puerta shares the same ancient root as the English word 'port'. Both come from the Latin 'porta' referring to a gateway or entrance to a city.
Examples in context
- Es la puerta principal.That's the main gate.This sentence is useful for identifying the location of the puerta principal.Tatoeba #1264439 by alexmarcelo, translation #1264224 by CK
- ¿Dónde está la puerta principal?Where is the main gate?
- ¿Cuál es la entrada principal del museo?Which is the main gate of the museum?
- ¿Dónde está la entrada principal de la escuela?Where is the main gate of the school?
- Anda, estamos llegando al estadio, la puerta principal queda a la izquierda.Come on, we're arriving at the stadium, the main gate is on the left.
- La entrada principal del parque está decorada con hermosas flores.The main entrance of the park is decorated with beautiful flowers.
- La puerta principal está cerrada.The main gate is closed.
- Busca la puerta principal del edificio.Look for the main gate of the building.
Example conversation
Javier and María are looking for the entrance to a hotel.
- Javier¿Dónde está la puerta principal?Where is the main gate?
- MaríaEstá justo al final de la calle.It is right at the end of the street.
- JavierAh, ya la veo.Ah, I see it now.
- MaríaPerfecto, vamos hacia allá.Perfect, let's go towards it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries principal, puerta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
