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

Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/sement̪eɾio/

Translation Options into English

• Cemetery
• Graveyard

Meaning and Usage

The word "cementerio" refers to a place where the dead are buried. It is used commonly in both written and oral contexts, but tends to appear more often in written forms, such as articles, literature, and formal discussions about funerary practices. In everyday speech, it is also frequently mentioned, especially in conversations about death, memorials, and cultural traditions surrounding burials.

Example Sentences

1. El cementerio de la ciudad está lleno de historia.

2. The city's cemetery is full of history.

3. Mis abuelos están enterrados en el mismo cementerio.

4. My grandparents are buried in the same cemetery.

5. Durante el Día de los Muertos, la gente visita el cementerio para honrar a sus seres queridos.

6. During the Day of the Dead, people visit the cemetery to honor their loved ones.

Idiomatic Expressions

The word "cementerio" is not directly featured in many idiomatic expressions, but related phrases can convey cultural significance:

1. "Como un río en el cementerio"
2. Literal translation: "Like a river in the cemetery"
3. Meaning: Used to describe a quiet or abandoned place.

4. Example: Este parque se siente como un río en el cementerio en marzo.

   • This park feels like a river in the cemetery in March.

5. "Entierro en el cementerio"

6. Literal translation: "Burial in the cemetery"
7. Meaning: Often used metaphorically to describe the end of something, such as a project or idea.

8. Example: Esa fue la última oportunidad; el proyecto se siente como un entierro en el cementerio.

   • That was the last chance; the project feels like a burial in the cemetery.

9. "Fresco como una lechuga en el cementerio"

10. Literal translation: "Fresh as a lettuce in the cemetery"
11. Meaning: Used sarcastically to describe someone who appears calm or unbothered despite chaotic situations.
12. Example: Aunque todo se está descontrolando, ella sigue fresca como una lechuga en el cementerio.
    • Even though everything is falling apart, she remains fresh as a lettuce in the cemetery.

Etymology

The word "cementerio" comes from the Latin "coemeterium," which is derived from the Greek "koimeterion," meaning "sleeping place." This term reflected the ancient belief in sleep as a metaphor for death.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Camposanto (graveyard) - Panteón (pantheon, often used interchangeably with cemetery)

Antonyms: - Vida (life) - Nacimiento (birth)

Through these examples and explanations, it becomes clear that "cementerio" not only pertains to a physical location but also carries cultural and emotional weight in the Spanish language.