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

Part of Speech

Estanco is a noun in Spanish.

Phonetic Transcription

/esˈtaŋ.ko/

Translation Options into English

1. State monopoly (typically refers to a government-controlled entity, particularly in the context of tobacco).
2. Tobacco shop (specifically an establishment where tobacco products are sold).
3. Pond (in a more archaic or specific sense, referring to a small body of water).

Meaning and Usage

The word estanco primarily refers to a government-regulated business or establishment, particularly for the sale of tobacco, where the government has a monopoly. In some regional dialects, it may also refer to a pond. The usage of estanco in contemporary Spanish is more frequent in written contexts, particularly within discussions about legislation or commerce related to tobacco sales.

Example Sentences

1. El estanco de la esquina tiene la mejor selección de puros.

2. The tobacco shop on the corner has the best selection of cigars.

3. En Ecuador, el estanco maneja todas las ventas de tabaco.

4. In Ecuador, the state monopoly manages all tobacco sales.

5. El estanco de la localidad es conocido por sus precios justos.

6. The local tobacco shop is known for its fair prices.

Idiomatic Expressions

1. Estar en el estanco (To be in a situation where one feels trapped or limited).
2. Se sintió como si estuviera en el estanco, sin salida.

3. He felt like he was in a dead end, with no way out.

4. Romper el estanco (To break through limitations or restrictions).

5. Necesitamos romper el estanco y avanzar en el proyecto.

6. We need to break the deadlock and move forward with the project.

7. Estanco de ideas (A stagnation or lack of new ideas).

8. El equipo se encuentra en un estanco de ideas y necesita un nuevo enfoque.
9. The team is in a stagnation of ideas and needs a fresh approach.

Etymology

The term estanco derives from the Old Spanish word estancar, which means “to dam” or “to stop,” suggesting a control mechanism put in place. Its roots are associated with the Latin stancare.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Tienda de tabacos (tobacco shop) - Monopolio estatal (state monopoly)

Antonyms: - Libertad de comercio (free trade) - Tienda privada (private shop)

In summary, estanco is a multifaceted term with meanings related to government-controlled ventures, primarily in tobacco, while also having idiomatic usage reflecting situations of limitation and stagnation.