How to Say "Roots" in Spanish

raíces

/raˈiθes/

The English phrase "roots" can be translated into Spanish as raíces.

In a metaphorical sense, raíces refers to a person's origins, heritage or cultural background, much like in English.

Meaning: ancestors (noun)

What does it mean word for word?

raíces is the plural form of raíz, which literally means "root".

The singular form raíz undergoes a spelling change when it becomes the plural raíces to maintain the stress on the i and follow Spanish orthography.

/raˈiθes/

The word raíz is a cognate of the English word 'radical', as both derive from the Latin 'radix' meaning 'root'.
In many Spanish-speaking countries, the expression echar raíces (to throw/cast roots) is the standard way to say someone has settled down or decided to stay in one place long-term.
In Spanish music, particularly in Flamenco, the term raíz is often used to describe the deep, primal emotional connection to the art form.

Encuentra las raíces de la ecuación.
Find the roots of the equation.
Tatoeba #7966818 by pchamorro, translation #7778218 by Hybrid
Las zanahorias y los rábanos son raíces comestibles.
Carrots and turnips are edible roots.
Tatoeba #10198476 by Seael, translation #35861 by CM
Son radicales en el sentido de que son fieles a sus raíces.
They're radicals in the sense that they're true to their roots.
Tatoeba #7933667 by Seael, translation #10460664 by DJ_Saidez
La historia de mi familia tiene profundas raíces en este país
The history of my family has deep roots in this country
Mis orígenes están en España
My roots are in Spain
10 more sentences on Tatoeba

Lucía and Daniel are discussing their family history.

Lucía

Quiero conocer más sobre mis raíces.
I want to know more about my roots.
Daniel

Podemos visitar el pueblo de tus abuelos.
We can visit your grandparents' town.
Lucía

Sí, es importante no olvidar nuestras raíces.
Yes, it is important not to forget our roots.
Daniel

Tienes razón, Lucía. Hagamos el viaje.
You are right, Lucía. Let's take the trip.

Sources

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