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

Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/kintʊɾa/

Translation Options into English

• waist
• belt
• girdle

Meaning and Usage

The word "cintura" primarily refers to the waist, which is the part of the body between the ribs and the hips. It can also refer to items like belts or girdles that are designed to fit around the waist. In the Spanish language, "cintura" is commonly used in both oral and written contexts, frequently appearing in discussions about health, fashion, and anatomy. Its frequency of use is relatively high, especially in conversational Spanish.

Example Sentences

1. Ella tiene una cintura muy delgada.

2. She has a very slim waist.

3. Me compré un vestido que resalta la cintura.

4. I bought a dress that highlights the waist.

5. El médico me dijo que debo fortalecer la cintura para evitar dolores de espalda.

6. The doctor told me that I need to strengthen my waist to avoid back pain.

Idiomatic Expressions

The word "cintura" appears in several idiomatic expressions in Spanish, demonstrating its versatility:

1. Tener cintura
2. Meaning: To be adaptable or flexible.
3. Sentence: En el trabajo, es crucial tener cintura para resolver problemas inesperados.

4. Translation: In the workplace, it is crucial to be adaptable to solve unexpected problems.

5. Cintura de avispa

6. Meaning: A very slim waist, often used to describe someone attractive.
7. Sentence: Su cintura de avispa la hace lucir muy elegante en cualquier vestido.

8. Translation: Her wasp waist makes her look very elegant in any dress.

9. Perder la cintura

10. Meaning: To gain weight or lose one's slim figure.
11. Sentence: Después de las vacaciones, noté que perdí la cintura y tengo que hacer ejercicio.

12. Translation: After the holidays, I noticed I gained weight and need to exercise.

13. Bailar con cintura

14. Meaning: To dance skillfully or with fluidity.
15. Sentence: Ella sabe bailar con cintura y todos la aplauden por su talento.
16. Translation: She knows how to dance skillfully, and everyone applauds her talent.

Etymology

The word "cintura" derives from the Latin word "cinctūra," which means "girdle" or "belt." The root "cingere," which means "to gird" or "to surround," also contributes to its formation.

Synonyms

• Cintura (in the context of waist): "cinturón" (belt, though this refers more specifically to the object).
• Talía (refers more specifically to the waist area).

Antonyms

• Hombros (shoulders, as it refers to a different part of the body and implies greater width).

In summary, "cintura" is a versatile and commonly used word in Spanish, with relevant applications in various contexts, including health, fashion, and idiomatic expressions.