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

Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/bora.xa/

Translation Options into English

• Borage

Meaning and Usage

Borraja refers to a plant belonging to the Boraginaceae family, known scientifically as Borago officinalis. This herbaceous plant is characterized by its star-shaped flowers and hairy leaves, and is often associated with medicinal and culinary uses. In Spanish, it is commonly used in cooking, particularly in salads and soups, as well as in traditional medicine for its purported health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and calming properties.

Frequency of Use

The term borraja is somewhat specialized and may not be used as frequently in everyday conversation compared to more common words. However, it is significant in contexts relating to cooking, botany, and herbal medicine. It can be used in both oral speech and written contexts, though it tends to appear more often in written texts, such as cookbooks and articles on herbal remedies.

Example Sentences

1. La borraja se puede utilizar en ensaladas por su sabor refrescante.

2. Borage can be used in salads for its refreshing taste.

3. En la medicina tradicional, la borraja se considera un remedio para aliviar la tos.

4. In traditional medicine, borage is considered a remedy for easing coughs.

5. La borraja es conocida por sus flores azules y su uso en la cocina mediterránea.

6. Borage is known for its blue flowers and its use in Mediterranean cuisine.

Idiomatic Expressions

While borraja does not have a widely recognized presence in idiomatic expressions, it does appear in phrases that might reflect its usage in culinary contexts or medicinal practices. Below are some contextual sentences that showcase the concept of incorporating borage into everyday expressions:

1. Me encanta añadir borraja a mis platos para un toque especial.

2. I love adding borage to my dishes for a special touch.

3. Usar borraja en la infusión puede ayudar a calmar los nervios.

4. Using borage in the infusion can help soothe nerves.

5. La cocina mediterránea siempre incorpora ingredientes frescos como la borraja.

6. Mediterranean cuisine always incorporates fresh ingredients like borage.

Etymology

The word borraja originates from the palabra española, derived from the latina borago, which itself may trace back to the Arabic term "بوكراخ" (bukhraakh) meaning "muscle." This connection highlights the plant's historical use as a muscle relaxant and in various medicinal applications.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

• Borage
• Hierba de Espíritu Santo (a Spanish common name used in some regions)

Antonyms

As borraja is a specific type of plant, it doesn’t traditionally have direct antonyms. However, other non-medicinal herbs or plants that do not share its characteristics could be considered as indirect antonyms, such as: - Cilantro - Perejil (Parsley)

Overall, borraja remains a distinct herb valued both in culinary traditions and medicinal practices in the Spanish-speaking world.