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

Part of Speech

Noun (feminine)

Phonetic Transcription

/toˈtuma/

Translation Options into English

• Gourd
• Calabash

Meaning and Usage

"Totuma" refers to a gourd or calabash, which is a type of squash that is often used as a container in traditional contexts. In various Spanish-speaking countries, including Venezuela, Peru, and the Dominican Republic, it can refer to the fruit itself or to items made from it, such as bowls, utensils, or musical instruments. The word is generally used in both oral speech and written contexts, though it may appear more frequently in discussions related to cultural practices, crafts, or traditional cooking.

Example Sentences

1. La señora usó una totuma para servir el guiso.

2. The lady used a gourd to serve the stew.

3. En el mercado, venden totumas de diferentes tamaños.

4. At the market, they sell gourds of different sizes.

5. Los músicos tocan instrumentos hechos de totuma.

6. The musicians play instruments made from gourd.

Idiomatic Expressions

The word "totuma" is not commonly featured in many idiomatic expressions, but it can appear in cultural phrases related to traditional life. Here are some examples:

1. "Más vale una totuma que mil plásticos."
2. "A gourd is worth more than a thousand plastics."

3. This expression suggests the value and importance of traditional and eco-friendly materials over synthetic ones.

4. "Usar la totuma para el agua es una tradición antigua."

5. "Using the gourd for water is an ancient tradition."

6. This reflects the cultural significance of using natural items for practical purposes.

7. "Cuando se acabe la totuma, hay que buscar otra."

8. "When the gourd runs out, we need to look for another."
9. This phrase can imply being prepared or resourceful in times of need, drawing on natural resources.

Etymology

The word "totuma" has its origins in the indigenous languages of Latin America, particularly from the languages spoken by the indigenous peoples of the Andes. The term reflects the importance of traditional agriculture and natural resources within these cultures.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Calabaza (pumpkin) - Cálamo (reed, sometimes used interchangeably when referring to containers)

Antonyms: - Plástico (plastic) - Metálico (metal)