Noun
/hoxaˈlata/
The word "hojalata" refers to a type of thin steel plate that has been coated with tin to prevent rusting. It is commonly used in industrial processes and is a significant material in manufacturing, packaging, and food preservation. In Spanish, "hojalata" can also denote products made from this material, such as containers and cans.
The frequency of use is moderate; it is more common in technical contexts and written language, especially in industries related to manufacturing and metalwork. However, it can also appear in oral speech when discussing materials or objects made from tinplate.
La hojalata se utiliza mucho en la fabricación de latas para alimentos.
"Tinplate is widely used in the manufacturing of food cans."
El tejado de la fábrica estaba cubierto de hojalata para protegerlo de la lluvia.
"The factory's roof was covered in tin to protect it from the rain."
Los artesanos a menudo crean decoraciones de hojalata para eventos festivos.
"Artisans often create tin decorations for festive events."
The term "hojalata" is not frequently used in idiomatic expressions; however, its importance in language and imagery can be highlighted through certain expressions or phrases dealing with materials, craftsmanship, and durability.
Donde hay hojalata, hay más que metal.
"Where there is tin, there is more than just metal." (This implies that behind basic materials, there can be artistry or craftsmanship.)
El trabajo con hojalata requiere paciencia y precisión.
"Working with tin requires patience and precision."
Siempre hay algo nuevo que hacer con un pedazo de hojalata.
"There's always something new to make with a piece of tin."
No subestimes la hojalata; puede ser muy versátil.
"Don't underestimate tin; it can be very versatile."
The term "hojalata" comes from the Spanish word 'hoja', meaning "sheet" or "leaf", combined with 'lata', which means "tin" or "can". The word has roots in the Old Spanish of the 16th century, signifying metal sheets that are thin enough to be rolled out, and it is related to the process of tinning metals to preserve them.
This comprehensive focus on "hojalata" provides insights into its usage, importance, and linguistic characteristics within both general and technical contexts.