el pantano
/el pantano/from spelling rules
The English phrase "the bayou" is translated into Spanish as el pantano.
The phrase refers to a marshy, slow-moving body of water or a swampy area.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Caribbean region, the term la ciénaga is commonly used to describe a swamp or a marsh.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of el pantano is los pantanos.
How do you pronounce it?
/el pantano/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish speaking countries, the word pantano refers to a man-made reservoir or dam rather than a natural swamp.
- The term pantano can be used as a metaphor for a situation that is stagnant or 'bogged down' in terms of progress.
- The word pantano was borrowed into Spanish from the Italian word pantano.
Examples in context
- Vimos caimanes en el pantano.We saw alligators in the bayou.
- La ciénaga está repleta de vegetación exuberante.The bayou is filled with lush vegetation.
- Los pescadores navegan por el estero en busca de camarones.The fishermen navigate through the bayou in search of shrimp.
- El pantano está lleno de cañas.The bayou is full of reeds.
- Vimos un cocodrilo en el pantano.We saw an alligator in the bayou.
- No es seguro caminar por el pantano.It is not safe to walk through the bayou.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are looking at a nature photograph.
- Alejandro¿Es ese el pantano de la foto?Is that the bayou from the photo?
- LucíaSí, es un pantano muy hermoso.Yes, it is a very beautiful bayou.
- AlejandroParece un lugar muy tranquilo.It looks like a very peaceful place.
- LucíaPero ten cuidado con los insectos.But be careful with the insects.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries el, pantano, CC BY-SA 4.0.
