The word "ladrillo" refers to a rectangular piece of baked clay or other materials, used in construction for building walls, pavements, and other structures. In the Spanish language, "ladrillo" is frequently used in both written and oral contexts, often found in discussions related to construction, architecture, and home improvement.
The term is quite common in everyday conversations, especially when talking about building and construction projects. The frequency of use tends to be slightly higher in written contexts, particularly in technical documents or literature related to construction.
Brick is a fundamental material in the construction of houses.
Necesitamos más ladrillos para terminar el muro del jardín.
We need more bricks to finish the garden wall.
Mi abuelo trabajaba en una fábrica de ladrillos.
While "ladrillo" itself does not feature prominently in a wide array of idiomatic expressions, it does appear in some phrases and cultural references related to construction or metaphorical meanings. Below are some examples:
The new project is really going to load bricks on the whole team.
Tirar ladrillos
To throw bricks (to critique harshly).
Sometimes, in diplomacy, you have to throw bricks to move the conversation forward.
Ladrillo en la cabeza
Brick in the head (to be stubborn, not open to change).
The word "ladrillo" comes from the Latin word latericulu(m), which is a diminutive form of later, meaning "brick" or "tile." Its usage in Spanish has been consistent throughout the centuries, maintaining its essential meaning in the realm of construction.