avestruz (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/abesˈtɾuz/

Translation Options into English

• Ostrich

Meaning and Usage

The word "avestruz" in Spanish refers specifically to the large flightless bird known in English as the ostrich. This bird is native to Africa and is characterized by its long legs, large body, and ability to run at high speeds. In colloquial contexts, "avestruz" can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who ignores a problem or refuses to face the reality of a situation, similar to the English expression "to stick one's head in the sand."

The frequency of use for the term "avestruz" is more common in spoken language, especially in colloquial settings, as opposed to formal writing.

Example Sentences

1. ¡Mira cómo corre ese avestruz en el zoológico!

2. Look how that ostrich runs in the zoo!

3. No seas como un avestruz; enfrenta tus problemas.

4. Don't be like an ostrich; face your problems.

5. El avestruz es el ave más grande del mundo.

6. The ostrich is the largest bird in the world.

Idiomatic Expressions

The word "avestruz" is used in a few idiomatic expressions in Spanish, particularly in the context of avoiding issues.

1. Poner la cabeza como un avestruz
2. Literal Translation: To put one's head like an ostrich
3. Meaning: To ignore problems or avoid facing reality.
4. Example: Cuando se enteró de los problemas financieros, decidió poner la cabeza como un avestruz.

5. When he found out about the financial problems, he decided to stick his head in the sand.

6. Ser un avestruz

7. Literal Translation: To be an ostrich
8. Meaning: To avoid facing difficult situations.
9. Example: Ser un avestruz no te ayudará a resolver tus conflictos.

10. Being an ostrich won't help you resolve your conflicts.

11. Tener la mentalidad de avestruz

12. Literal Translation: To have the mentality of an ostrich
13. Meaning: To be in denial about a situation.
14. Example: Su mentalidad de avestruz sobre la crisis no hará que desaparezca.
15. His ostrich mentality about the crisis won’t make it disappear.

Etymology

The term "avestruz" comes from the Latin word "avistruz," which relates to "avis" meaning "bird" and "struz" possibly derived from a substantive in Latin. The evolution of its use in the Spanish language retains the connection to its avian characteristics, as well as the implications in behavior.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

• Struthio: A genus that includes ostriches.
• Avestruz común: Common ostrich.

Antonyms

There are no direct antonyms, but one could think of: - Ave voladora: Flying bird. - Aves rápidas: Fast birds.

Overall, "avestruz" encapsulates both a specific animal and a broader metaphor for evasion, highlighting its versatility in language and expression.