petroglifos
/petɾoɡlifos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "petroglyphs" is translated into Spanish as petroglifos.
The term refers to rock carvings made by prehistoric people.
What does it mean word for word?
petroglifos is a loanword from Greek roots, where petro- refers to rock and -glifos refers to carving.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term petroglifos is commonly used. In Peru, the term rocas grabadas (carved rocks) may be used instead of more common phrases.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the noun is petroglifo.
How do you pronounce it?
/petɾoɡlifos/
Did you know?
- In the Andes, the concept of rocas grabadas is sometimes linked to the indigenous belief that the stones themselves possess a living spirit or memory.
- The word glifo in petroglifos is the same root used in Spanish to describe the complex writing systems of the Maya civilization.
- When describing the act of making these, Spanish speakers use the verb tallar for deep carving, whereas grabar is used for shallower or more precise incisions.
Examples in context
- Los petroglifos son muy antiguos.The petroglyphs are very ancient.
- Vimos varios petroglifos en la montaña.We saw several petroglyphs on the mountain.
- ¿Dónde están los petroglifos de esta zona?Where are the petroglyphs of this area?
Example conversation
María and Mateo are hiking in a canyon.
- MaríaMira, Mateo, hay petroglifos en esa roca.Look, Mateo, there are petroglyphs on that rock.
- MateoSon impresionantes, María.They are impressive, María.
- María¿Crees que son de una cultura antigua?Do you think they are from an ancient culture?
- MateoSeguramente sí.Most likely, yes.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
