/desˈpen.sa/
"Despensa" refers to a designated space, such as a pantry or larder, where food supplies and provisions are stored. It commonly indicates a small room or cupboard in a household where groceries are kept for easy access. The term can also refer more broadly to the collection of food items themselves.
In terms of frequency, "despensa" is used reasonably often in both oral and written contexts, especially in discussions around cooking, food preparation, and household management.
"Voy a la despensa a buscar un poco de arroz."
"I am going to the pantry to look for some rice."
"La despensa está llena de cosas deliciosas para preparar la cena."
"The pantry is full of delicious things to prepare dinner."
"Necesito organizar la despensa, ya no encuentro nada."
"I need to organize the pantry; I can't find anything anymore."
While "despensa" is not often used in set idiomatic phrases, the concept of a pantry or larder can figure into a few expressions focused on sustenance or provisions. Below are some related usages.
"No dejes para mañana lo que puedas guardar en la despensa hoy."
"Don't leave for tomorrow what you can store in the pantry today." This reflects the idea of planning ahead.
"Una despensa bien abastecida puede salvarte en tiempos difíciles."
"A well-stocked pantry can save you in difficult times." This highlights the importance of preparation.
"Con la despensa llena, hay tranquilidad en la casa."
"With the pantry full, there is peace in the house." This suggests that having sufficient provisions brings security.
The word "despensa" originates from the Latin "dispensare," which means "to distribute" or "to dispense." The morphed form came to refer to a place where provisions are distributed, eventually evolving into the use we recognize today concerning storage of food.
This provides a comprehensive overview of the word "despensa," detailing its meanings, uses, and related linguistic aspects.