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

Part of Speech

• Noun

Phonetic Transcription

• /ˈpweɾ.to/

Translation Options into English

• Port
• Harbor
• Gateway

Meaning and Usage

• The word "puerto" refers to a place along a coastline where ships can dock to load and unload cargo or passengers, functioning as a point of entry and exit for maritime traffic. It is commonly used in both written and oral contexts, with a frequency that is relatively high, especially in discussions related to transportation, trade, and geography. Generally, the term is favored in formal writing such as reports, academic essays, and legislation.

Example Sentences

1. El puerto de Barcelona es uno de los más importantes de Europa.
   (The port of Barcelona is one of the most important in Europe.)

2. El carguero llegó al puerto a las ocho de la mañana.
   (The freighter arrived at the port at eight in the morning.)

3. Estamos planeando un viaje a un puerto turístico en el Caribe.
   (We are planning a trip to a tourist port in the Caribbean.)

Idiomatic Expressions

"Puerto" also appears in several idiomatic expressions in Spanish:

1. Puerto seguro
2. Translation: Safe haven

3. Example: Después de las tormentas, encontraron un puerto seguro donde anclar.
   (After the storms, they found a safe haven to anchor.)

4. Abrir un puerto

5. Translation: Open a door or opportunity

6. Example: Sus estudios le abrirán un puerto a muchas oportunidades laborales.
   (His studies will open a door to numerous job opportunities.)

7. Puerto de partida

8. Translation: Port of departure

9. Example: El puerto de partida para el crucero es Miami.
   (The port of departure for the cruise is Miami.)

10. Puerto de entrada

11. Translation: Port of entry
12. Example: El puerto de entrada a los Estados Unidos es un paso crítico para los viajeros.
    (The port of entry to the United States is a critical step for travelers.)

Etymology

The term "puerto" originates from the Latin word "portus," which means harbor or port. This etymology highlights its longstanding significance in the maritime context throughout history.

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms:
• Muelle (dock)
• Bahía (bay)

• Terminal (terminal)

• Antonyms:

• Tierra firme (dry land)
• Desierto (desert)

In summary, "puerto" is a versatile noun in the Spanish language with important uses and associations, particularly in maritime contexts and idiomatic expressions.