esquina pronunciada
/eskina pɾonunθjada/from spelling rules
The English phrase "sharp corner" is translated into Spanish as esquina pronunciada.
This phrase describes a turn or bend in a road or path that is very sudden and narrow.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of esquina (corner) and pronunciada (pronounced). In this context, pronunciada is used figuratively to mean sharp or distinct.
Which one should you use?
While esquina pronunciada refers specifically to a corner, curva cerrada is a more common way to describe a sharp bend in a road or highway.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, both the noun and the adjective must change to esquinas pronunciadas.
Did you know?
- The word esquina shares an unexpected ancestry with the English word 'shin' and the French 'échine', as both trace back to a root meaning 'spine' or 'rim'.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the esquina is not just a physical turn but a traditional social hub where neighbors gather to gossip and watch the street.
- While esquina means 'corner', it is also the word used to describe the sharp, dangerous edge of a tabletop or a piece of furniture.
Examples in context
- Encontrarás una curva cerrada al final de esta calle.You will encounter a sharp corner at the end of this street.
- Ten cuidado con esa esquina pronunciada.Be careful with that sharp corner.
- El ciclista frenó en la esquina pronunciada.The cyclist braked at the sharp corner.
- Hay una esquina pronunciada después del puente.There is a sharp corner after the bridge.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are driving through the mountains.
- LucíaMira, adelante hay una esquina pronunciada.Look, there is a sharp corner ahead.
- DanielLo veo, voy a reducir la velocidad.I see it, I'm going to slow down.
- LucíaEs mejor tomarla con mucha precaución.It's better to take it with a lot of caution.
- DanielTienes razón, Lucía.You are right, Lucía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries esquina, CC BY-SA 4.0.
