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

Part of Speech

The word "criar" is a verb.

Phonetic Transcription

/ˈkɾiaɾ/

Translation Options into English

• To create
• To raise (children, animals)
• To nurture

Meaning and Usage

"Cria" is primarily used in the Spanish language to convey the idea of bringing something into existence (create) or to bring up and take care of someone or something, particularly in the context of children or animals (raise). It is a versatile verb employed in both oral and written contexts, although it is more commonly used in everyday speech when discussing the nurturing of children or animals.

Example Sentences

1. Los padres siempre quieren criar a sus hijos con amor.

2. The parents always want to raise their children with love.

3. Es difícil criar animales salvajes en cautiverio.

4. It is difficult to raise wild animals in captivity.

5. Ella decidió criar su propio negocio desde cero.

6. She decided to create her own business from scratch.

Idiomatic Expressions

The verb "criar" is part of several idiomatic expressions and common phrases in Spanish, representing various aspects of nurturing, development, and creativity.

Example Idiomatic Expressions

1. Criar al vuelo (To bring up in flight)
2. Se dice que una madre sabe cómo criar al vuelo a sus hijos.

3. It is said that a mother knows how to bring up her children in flight.

4. Criar polvo (To raise dust)

5. Al bailar, ellos logran criar polvo en la pista.

6. While dancing, they manage to raise dust on the dance floor.

7. Criar la talla (To raise the bar)

8. La compañía decidió criar la talla en su producción.

9. The company decided to raise the bar in its production.

10. Criar el espíritu (To nurture the spirit)

11. Es importante criar el espíritu en un ambiente positivo.
12. It is important to nurture the spirit in a positive environment.

Etymology

The verb "criar" comes from the Latin word "creare", which means "to create". It evolved in Old Spanish to encompass both the notions of raising and creating, reflecting its dual meaning that persists in modern Spanish.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

• Crear (to create)
• Nurturar (to nurture)
• Educar (to educate)

Antonyms

• Destruir (to destroy)
• Abandonar (to abandon)
• Descuidar (to neglect)

This comprehensive overview provides a clear understanding of the word "criar" in various contexts and uses within the Spanish language.