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

Part of Speech

The word "puente" is a noun in Spanish.

Phonetic Transcription

/pwente/

Translation Options into English

• Bridge
• Span

Meaning and Usage

In Spanish, "puente" primarily refers to a structure that allows for passage over an obstacle, such as a river, road, or other physical barrier. The term can also be used in a figurative sense to signify a connection between two ideas, groups, or situations.

The frequency of use varies depending on context, but it is commonly used in both spoken and written forms. It appears frequently in everyday conversation, engineering, music, and various idiomatic expressions.

Example Sentences

1. Los ingenieros diseñaron un puente que conecta las dos ciudades.
   (The engineers designed a bridge that connects the two cities.)

2. Cruzamos el puente para llegar al parque.
   (We crossed the bridge to get to the park.)

3. El puente que se construyó después de la tormenta es impresionante.
   (The bridge that was built after the storm is impressive.)

Idiomatic Expressions

The word "puente" appears in several idiomatic expressions in Spanish, which often reflect the ideas of connection or transition.

Example Idiomatic Expressions

1. Hacer puente
   (To create a long weekend)

2. Voy a hacer puente y tomar días libres.
   (I’m going to take a long weekend and take some days off.)

3. Tener un puente
   (To have a connection)

4. Ella tiene un puente con los representantes de esa empresa.
   (She has a connection with the representatives of that company.)

5. Puente de plata
   (Silver bridge, meaning an easy way out or transition)

6. Ella tomó el puente de plata y decidió cambiar de carrera.
   (She took the silver bridge and decided to change her career.)

7. Saltar de un puente a otro
   (Jumping from one bridge to another, meaning to switch between situations)

8. Es difícil saltar de un puente a otro sin un plan.
   (It’s hard to jump from one bridge to another without a plan.)

Etymology

The word "puente" comes from the Latin "pons, pontis," which also means bridge. The evolution of the term reflects the Latin influence on the development of the Spanish language.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Viaducto (viaduct) - Puente colgante (suspension bridge) - Paso elevado (overpass)

Antonyms: - Hueco (gap) - Separación (separation)

In summary, "puente" is a versatile term with both literal and figurative meanings in Spanish, often representing connection and transition through its various uses and idiomatic expressions.