adivinanzas
/adibinanθas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "riddles" is translated into Spanish as adivinanzas.
adivinanzas refers to questions or statements phrased as puzzles to be solved.
What does it mean word for word?
The singular form adivinanza is derived from the verb adivinar, which means "to guess" or "to divine".
Which one should you use?
The synonym acertijos is often used to imply more complex logical puzzles or brain teasers.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is adivinanza, while the plural form is adivinanzas.
How do you pronounce it?
/adibinanθas/
Did you know?
- In traditional Spanish adivinanzas, the answer is often hidden within the wording of the riddle itself through a play on words called a 'calambur'.
- The word adivinanza shares a deep connection to the concept of 'prophecy' or 'divination', suggesting that solving the riddle is akin to uncovering a hidden truth through spiritual intuition.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, children's adivinanzas often involve a lyrical rhyme or a rhythm that makes them feel more like a short song than a standard question.
Examples in context
- Sin vacilación nos pusimos a hacernos adivinanzas y a contarnos cuentos.Without hesitation, we set to asking riddles and telling tales.This sentence shows a context where people are asking adivinanzas and telling stories.Tatoeba #5992309 by gianich73, translation #2877130 by AlanF_US
- Camino sin ser tocado, siempre corro sin moverme, y siempre llego antes que el que va delante de míI walk without being touched, I always run without moving, and I always arrive before the one who is in front of me
- Tiene escamas y no es pescado, tiene corona y no es reyIt has scales but is not a fish, it has a crown but is not a king
- Blanco por dentro, verde por fuera. Si quieres que te lo diga, esperaWhite on the inside, green on the outside. If you want me to tell you, wait
- A los niños les encantan las adivinanzas.Children love riddles.
- Tengo un libro lleno de adivinanzas divertidas.I have a book full of funny riddles.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are playing a game together at home.
- MateoSofía, ¿sabes resolver estas adivinanzas?Sofía, do you know how to solve these riddles?
- SofíaSí, Mateo, ¡puedo intentarlo!Yes, Mateo, I can try!
- MateoAquí tienes una de las adivinanzas más difíciles.Here is one of the hardest riddles.
- Sofía¡Dímela rápido!Tell it to me quickly!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
