Vacaciones de invierno
/bakaθjones de imbjeɾno/from spelling rules
The English phrase "winter vacation" is translated into Spanish as Vacaciones de invierno.
This phrase refers to a break from school or work that takes place during the winter season.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of vacaciones (vacations/holidays), de (of) and invierno (winter).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you might hear las vacaciones de invierno or las vacaciones de Navidad to refer to winter vacation. In Latin America, las vacaciones de diciembre is commonly used to refer to winter vacation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word vacaciones is a plural noun in Spanish, so it is almost always used in the plural form even when referring to a single break period.
How do you pronounce it?
/bakaθjones de imbjeɾno/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the singular vacación instead of the plural vacaciones when referring to a holiday period.
Did you know?
- In many Latin American countries, vacaciones de invierno occurs in July or August because the Southern Hemisphere is experiencing winter during those months.
- The word invierno shares a distant ancestor with the English word 'hibernation', as both derive from the Latin root for winter.
- Because vacaciones implies a long duration, an English speaker calling a two-day weekend vacaciones would sound like they are claiming to have a massive amount of time off.
Examples in context
- ¿Cómo pasaste tus vacaciones de invierno?How did you spend your winter vacation?This sentence is useful for asking how someone spent their Vacaciones de invierno.Tatoeba #1211595 by marcelostockle, translation #279653 by CK
- ¿Cuándo comienzan tus vacaciones de invierno?When does your winter vacation begin?This sentence is useful for asking when someone's Vacaciones de invierno begin.Tatoeba #6692473 by UsuarioX, translation #4662524 by CK
- ¡Estoy emocionado por las vacaciones de invierno! Vamos a esquiar en las montañas.I'm excited for winter vacation! We're going skiing in the mountains.
- Queridos clientes, les informamos que el receso invernal comenzará el 24 de diciembre.Dear clients, we inform you that the winter vacation will start on December 24th.
- ¿Qué tienes planeado para el descanso invernal?What do you have planned for winter break?
- Se les recuerda a los estudiantes que el período vacacional de invierno es del 15 al 31 de diciembre.Students are reminded that the winter vacation period is from December 15th to 31st.
- Mis vacaciones de invierno serán en febrero.My winter vacation will be in February.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their travel plans.
- DanielElena, ¿adónde vas en tus vacaciones de invierno?Elena, where are you going on your winter vacation?
- ElenaVoy a visitar a mi familia en Chile.I am going to visit my family in Chile.
- Daniel¡Qué bien! Yo me quedo en casa.That's great! I am staying home.
- ElenaA veces las vacaciones de invierno son mejores así.Sometimes winter vacations are better that way.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, invierno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
