mosquitera
/moskiteɾa/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'mesh screen' translates to Spanish as mosquitera.
The term mosquitera is versatile and refers to both the fixed mesh screens installed in window frames and the portable mosquito nets hung over beds. If you want to refer specifically to the material itself, such as the actual mesh fabric, use malla mosquitera.
What does it mean word for word?
The word mosquitera is derived from mosquito and the suffix -era, which denotes a tool or object used for a specific purpose, making the word literally mean 'mosquito-preventer'.
Which one should you use?
Use mosquitera for the screen as a whole, but use malla mosquitera if you are talking specifically about the mesh material.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural 'mesh screens', simply add -s to the end of the word to get mosquiteras.
How do you pronounce it?
/moskiteɾa/
Did you know?
- In certain regions, you might hear the word cedazo used for a mesh screen, even though its primary meaning is a kitchen sieve.
- The word mosquitera is a linguistic relative of mosca, meaning 'fly', because mosquito literally translates to 'small fly'.
- The suffix -era in mosquitera is used for a wide range of objects, from a 'coffee maker' cafetera to a 'salt shaker' salera.
Examples in context
- Compra una malla nueva para la ventana del cuarto.Buy a new mesh screen for the bedroom window.
- Necesitamos comprar una mosquitera para la ventana.We need to buy a mesh screen for the window.
- La mosquitera de la puerta está rota.The mesh screen on the door is broken.
- Instalé una mosquitera en la terraza.I installed a mesh screen on the terrace.
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are in their living room looking at a broken window.
- MaríaAlejandro, hay un agujero en la mosquitera.Alejandro, there is a hole in the mesh screen.
- AlejandroTienes razón, entran muchos mosquitos.You are right, many mosquitoes are getting in.
- María¿Podemos arreglar la mosquitera hoy mismo?Can we fix the mesh screen today?
- AlejandroSí, iré a la ferretería ahora.Yes, I will go to the hardware store now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
