avispero
/abispeɾo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "wasp nest" is translated into Spanish as avispero.
avispero refers to the physical structure built by wasps to house their colony. Metaphorically, the term can also describe a place or a situation that is full of conflict or agitation.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of avispa (wasp) and the suffix -ero, which denotes a place or a collection of things.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is masculine and is used with the definite article el to form el avispero (the wasp nest).
How do you pronounce it?
/abispeɾo/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, calling someone avispa or avispadísimo has nothing to do with insects and instead means they are very sharp, quick-witted or alert.
- While avispero describes a chaotic situation, Spanish speakers often use the verb revolver (to stir) with it. To revolver el avispero means to intentionally provoke a dormant conflict to see what happens.
- The word avispero shares a distant genetic root with the English word 'wasp', as both trace back to the Proto-Indo-European root *wébʰ-.
Examples in context
- Hola, vecino. Quería avisarte que hay un nido de avispas cerca de tu casa.Hello, neighbor. I wanted to let you know that there is a wasp nest near your house.
- Hay un avispero en el jardín.There is a wasp nest in the garden.
- Ten cuidado con ese avispero.Be careful with that wasp nest.
- El avispero está colgando de la rama.The wasp nest is hanging from the branch.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are walking through a park.
- Lucía¡Mira allá, Javier! Hay un avispero en ese árbol.Look over there, Javier! There is a wasp nest in that tree.
- JavierEs muy grande, mejor no nos acerquemos.It is very big, better we don't go near it.
- LucíaTienes razón, no quiero que nos pique nadie.You are right, I don't want anyone to sting us.
- JavierVamos por el otro camino, Lucía.Let's go via the other path, Lucía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries avispero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
