Vocabulary
A
abacería, f., grocery.
abarcar, to clasp, to include.
abarrotes, m. pl., groceries.
abastecer, to provide necessaries, to purvey.
abatir, to throw down, to cut down, to lower, to descend, to stop;
refl., to dishearten.
abigarrado, -a, variegated, motley.
ablandar, to soften.
abogado, m., lawyer, attorney at law.
abolladura, f., dent.
abonado, -a, holder of a season ticket.
abonar, to pay;
to subscribe;
to fertilize.
abono, m., subscription;
fertilizer.
abrasante, burning, scorching.
abrumado, -a, weary, burdened.
abundamiento, a mayor ——, moreover.
acabar, to finish, to end;
—— de, to have just;
—— por, to end by.
acalorarse, refl., to grow warm, to become excited.
acanelado, -a, cinnamon-colored.
acariciar, to caress.
acarrear, to carry.
acaso, m., hazard, chance;
si por ——, if by chance.
acaudalado, -a, rich, wealthy.
accionar, to gesticulate.
aceituna, f., olive.
acendrado, -a, purified, refined.
acendrar, to purify, to refine.
acentuar, to emphasize, to accent.
aceptante, m., he who accepts.
acerca de, about, relating to.
acercarse, refl., to get near, to approach.
acertar, to hit;
to succeed.
aciago, -a, unfortunate, sad.
aclaración, f., explanation.
acoger, to receive;
refl., to take refuge, to resort to.
acogido, see acoger.
acometer, to attack, to undertake.
acomodado, -a, well-to-do.
acondicionar, to pack.
acontecimiento, m., event.
acosar, to pursue closely, to vex.
acostado, -a, lying down.
acrecentar, to increase, to grow.
acreedor, m., creditor.
acriollarse, refl. (Sp. A.), to become acquainted with the customs of a country in which one is a new-comer.
acuarela, f., watercolor.
acudir, to have recourse to, to apply to.
acurrucado, -a, muffled up.
achatado, -a, flattened; see achatar.
achatar, to flatten.
achura, f. (Sp. A.), intestines, viscera.
adelantar, to pay beforehand, to advance, to loan (money);
refl., to step forward, to get ahead.
adelanto, m., advance, progress.
ademán, m., gesture.
además, in addition to, moreover.
aderezar, to dress.
adiós, good-by.
adiosito (Sp. A.), an intimate, affectionate form of adiós.
admitir, to accept, to receive.
adonde, where.
aduana, f., custom-house.
adular, to flatter.
adusto, -a, austere, gloomy, intractable, sullen.
advertir, to take notice, to advise, to warn;
to discover.
afamado, -a, celebrated, noted.
afición, f., inclination.
aficionado, m., amateur.
aflojar, to loosen, to relax.
aforrado, lined.
aforrar, to line.
agarrar, to grasp, to seize, to take.
agasajar, to receive well, to treat kindly.
agavilladora, f., an agricultural machine which reaps and binds grain in sheaves;
steam reaper and binder.
agencia, f., office, bureau;
—— marítima, office of a steamship company;
—— de colocaciones, employment bureau;
—— de mensajeros, district messenger office;
—— de transportes, express office;
—— de mudanzas, moving van office;
—— de alquileres, real estate office;
—— de cambio, money changer’s office.
ágil, nimble, ready, rapid, light.
agio, m., speculation.
agonizante, a dying person, in the death-throes.
agresivo, -a, hostile.
agrícola, agricultural.
agrimensor, m., surveyor.
agua, f., —— dulce, fresh water;
——s servidas, waste waters, sewage.
aguacate, m., alligator pear or the tree which bears this fruit.
aguantar, to bear, to sustain, to endure, to hold out.
aguará, m., a. species of fox found in S. A.
aguardar, to await, to look for.
aguardiente, m., brandy;
—— de caña, rum.
agudeza, f., witty saying;
shrewdness;
subtlety.
agudo, -a, witty.
aguileño, -a, aquiline.
aguinaldo, m., a Cuban vine which blooms about Christmas time.
agutí, m., agouti, a species of small rodent.
aguzado, -a, pointed, keen, sharpened, stimulated, excited.
ahinco, m., ardor, earnestness, zeal.
ahondar, to sound, to penetrate, to dip into, to become acquainted with.
ahora, now;
—— bien, well, granted, nevertheless;
—— mismo, just now;
por ——, for the present;
desde ——, from now on;
hasta ——, until now.
ahorrar, to save.
ahuehuetl or ahuehuete, a giant tree of Mexico.
aire, m., air;
—— libre, fresh air.
ají, m., the dwarf red pepper of the West Indies.
ajo, m., garlic.
ala, f., wing;
—— de sombrero, hat-brim.
alabar, to praise.
alambicado, -a, said of a line of business subjected to keen competition;
in sharp competition.
alar, pertaining to wings.
alargado, -a, elongated, lengthened.
alarido, m., shout, howl.
albaricoque, m., apricot.
albergue, m., lodging, shelter.
albor, m., dawn.
alborotar, to disturb.
alborotos, m. pl. (Sp. A.), popcorn;
noisy demonstrations.
alcance, m., scope, reach;
al ——, within reach.
alcantarilla, f., culvert, drain, underground sewer.
alcanzar, to attain, to reach, to overtake, to comprehend.
alcoba, f., alcove, bedroom.
aleación, f., alloy.
alegato, m., allegation, complaint;
statement by the plaintiff of his grievance.
alejamiento, m., aloofness, distance, strangeness.
alejandrino, m., Alexandrine, a classic form of verse.
alentar, to encourage.
aletargado, -a, in a state of lethargy.
aletargarse, refl., to fall into a state of lethargy.
aleteo, m., clapping of the wings.
alfiler, m., pin;
—— de corbata, scarf-pin.
algarrobo, m., a tree belonging to the leguminous family.
algazara, f., shouting, a noisy expression of joy.
algo, something;
somewhat;
m., a something.
algodonero, m., cotton-plant.
alguno, -a, some, any;
pl., some, certain (ones), a few;
no... ——, not any...;
ni... ——, no... whatever.
alicates, m., fine-pointed pincers.
aliciente, m., inducement.
aliento, m., breath, spirit, vigor;
de largo ——, requiring much time to accomplish;
long-winded.
alimaña, f., insect or animal pests.
aliviar, to lighten, to mitigate, to relieve.
aljibe, m., cistern, reservoir.
almacén, m., warehouse;
(Sp. A.) grocery.
almendra, f., almond.
alondra, f., lark.
alpaca, f., a ruminant of South America, bearing a certain kind of wool.
alrededor, around, roundabout.
alteroso, -a (Obs.), high, tall.
altiplanicie, f. (Sp. A.), plateau, high tableland.
altisonante, high-sounding.
altivo, -a, haughty, proud.
alto, m., a piece of high ground.
altozano, m., a height of land, a hill.
altura, f., height, top (of a hill).
alusivo, -a, suggestive, making allusion to, alluding to.
alza, f., rise.
alzada, f., height (of horse).
allá, there.
allasito (Sp. A.), dim. from allá.
ama, f., mistress of the house;
—— de casa, housewife, housekeeper.
amagamiento, m., suggestion.
amalgamar, to mix, to put together;
to construe.
amañado, -a, possessed (of an evil spirit).
amargura, f., bitterness, sorrow.
amarrar, to tie, to bind.
amasado, -a, kneaded.
amasar, to knead.
amén de, besides.
americano, -a, belonging to the western hemisphere;
—— del norte, North American, referring particularly to the United States.
amistades, f. pl., friends, acquaintances;
friendships;
friendly relations.
amoldar, to mold.
amordazar, to gag, to deprive of liberty of speech.
ampararse, refl., to claim or enjoy protection.
amparo, m., favor, aid, protection.
ampuloso, -a, pompous.
ánade, m. and f., duck.
analfabeto, m., one unable to read or write.
angarilla, f., a kind of pack-saddle.
anhelar, to desire earnestly.
animal, m., applied to any kind of live stock;
—— fino or de raza or de pura sangre, thoroughbred.
antes, before, beforehand;
—— de, before;
—— de que, before;
—— que, rather than;
cuanto ——, as soon as possible;
de ——, formerly, in olden times.
antiguo, -a, ancient, de ——;
from long ago.
antiparras, f. pl., spectacles with colored lenses, closed at the sides by wire gauze.
antorcha, f., torch.
anudar, to tie.
añadir, to add.
añicos, m. pl., bits, small pieces.
año, m., year;
ahora ——s, years ago.
añoso, -a, old.
apacentar, to graze, to pasture.
apacible, affable, gentle, quiet, placid, pleasant, calm.
aparador, m., sideboard.
aparcero, -a (River Plate), friend.
aparejado, -a, equipped.
aparejar, to equip.
aparejo, m., harness;
apparatus,
equipment in any trade;
fish-hooks and tackle.
aparta, f., the act of dividing herds into groups.
apasionarse, refl., to become excessively fond of a person or thing.
apearse, refl., to alight.
apego, m., attachment, fondness.
apio, m., celery.
aplastar, to flatten, to crush.
apodo, m., nickname;
name.
aporrear, to beat, to knock about.
aportar, to contribute, to bring in;
to set aside.
aposento, m., bedroom.
apoyar, to approve, to second, to back.
apreciar, to estimate, to value, to appreciate.
apremio, m., pressure, strain, insistence, constriction, constraint.
aprendiz, m., apprentice.
apropósito, m., a one-act play which alludes to current events;
a “curtain-raiser.”
aprovechar, to profit, to take advantage.
apuntar, to point out, to mark, to take note of.
apurar, to consume;
to clear up;
(Sp. A.) to press, to hasten.
arado, -a, plowed;
m., plow.
araguato, m., a species of monkey.
araguida, m., a bird with brilliant red plumage.
arambel, m., rag.
araña, f., spider;
chandelier.
arar, to plow.
arbitral, arbitral;
cámara ——, board of arbitration.
arcilla, f., clay;
—— refractaria, fire-clay.
archivo, m., filing cabinet.
arder, to burn.
ardimiento, m., courage, ardor.
arduo, -a, arduous, difficult.
arenga, f., harangue.
arenque, m., herring.
argentado, -a, covered with silver;
silvery.
argentar, to cover with silver.
argentinismo, m., word or idiom peculiar to the Argentine Republic.
argolla, f., a large metal ring.
arhuaco, -a, pertaining to the Arhuacos, an Indian tribe.
arisco, -a, wild, churlish, intractable.
arista, f., edge, groin, rib.
armador, m., ship-owner, ship-builder.
armar, to arm, to adjust, to frame, to put together;
refl. (Sp. A.), to balk.
armario, m., cabinet, closet.
armazón, f., framework.
armiño, m., ermine.
arqueado, -a, arched.
arquear, to form an arch.
arraigar, to take root;
to found, to institute.
arrancar, to pull up by the roots;
to start (off).
arrapiezo, m., street urchin.
arrebatar, to take away by violence.
arredrarse, refl., to become terrified.
arreglillo, m., an amorous adventure or episode.
arremetida, f., attack, assault.
arrendar, to bridle a horse.
arriate, m., border in garden beds.
arriero, m., driver of mules or cattle.
arrinconar, to put a thing in a corner.
arrojar, to throw, to total, to sum up.
arrojo, m., a spurt of bravery.
arrostrar, to face.
arruga, f., a wrinkle.
artificio, m., artifice, ruse.
asado, m., roast (meat).
asaltar, to assault, to assail; to
occur to one.
asamblea, f., assembly, meeting.
ascensor, m., elevator;
—— doméstico, dumbwaiter.
ascua, f., red-hot coal.
aseado, -a, clean, neat.
asear, to clean.
asegurar, to secure, to insure;
to assure.
aseguro, m. (Sp. A.), see seguro.
asentar, to affirm, to assure, to set forth, to set as a basis.
asentir, to acquiesce, to assent.
así, so, thus;
—— como, in the same way as;
—— como ——, any way;
—— que, so that;
¿cómo ——? how so?
asistencia, f., attendance.
asolar, to devastate, to pillage.
áspero, -a, rough, rugged, harsh.
astillero, m., shipyard, navy-yard.
asustarse, refl., to shy (a horse).
atajar, to stop, to intercept.
atambor (Obs.), drum.
atar, to tie, to bind.
atenacear, to tear off with pincers.
atender, to attend.
atenerse, refl., to abide.
aterciopelado, -a, smooth, velvety.
atesorar, to hoard, to save.
atestado, packed full.
atestar, to pack full.
atezado, -a, black.
atiplado, -a, sharp, acute, out of tune.
atisbar, to watch.
atrapar, to overtake, to catch.
atraso, m., backwardness.
atrio, m., the open space before a church.
aturdido, -a, stupefied with a blow.
aturdir, to stupefy with a blow.
aura, f., gentle breeze (Poetical).
aureo, -a, golden, gilt.
auto, m., judicial decree or sentence.
autóctono, native to the country.
avalúo, m., appraisal, valuation.
avanzado, m., outpost, advance guard.
avellano, m., hazelnut tree.
aventajado, -a, surpassing the ordinary or common.
aventajar, to surpass.
aventar, to move the air, to toss in the wind, to winnow grain.
avergonzarse, refl., to be ashamed.
averiado, -a, damaged.
averiar, to damage.
averiguar, to verify, to inquire into.
avestruz, m., ostrich.
avezado, -a, accustomed.
avistar, to descry at a distance.
avivar, to quicken, to enliven.
avizor, -a, watchful.
avo, m., termination of words indicating the denomination of fractions.
ayuda, help;
—— propia, self-help.
azabache, m., jet.
azahar, m., blossom of the orange or lemon tree.
azogado, -a, agitated, surprised, dumfounded.
azogar, to coat with quicksilver;
to agitate;
to bewilder, to amaze.
azotea, f., flat roof of a house.
azúcar, f., sugar;
—— de lustre, fine powdered sugar;
—— mascabada, unclarified sugar;
—— morena or terciada, brown sugar;
—— negra or prieta, coarse brown sugar;
—— piedra or cande, crystallized sugar;
—— parda, clayed sugar.
azufre, m., sulphur.
azulejo, m., glazed tile.
B
bagaje, m., baggage;
beast of burden.
baja, f., fall in price.
bajío, m., shoal, sand-bank, shallow or flat.
bajito, -a, dim. of bajo. bajo, low, short (referring to stature).
balandra, f., small one-masted vessel.
balanza, f., scale, balance.
balazo, m., shot;
also, the wound from a shot.
balcón, m., balcony.
baldío, -a, untilled, uncultivated, vacant (land).
baldosa, f., square tile.
bambuco, m. (Sp. A.), a popular dance in Colombia.
bancario, -a, pertaining to banks and banking.
bandada, f., flock.
banderola, f. (Sp. A.), fanlight, transom.
bando, m., edict or law solemnly published by superior authority.
bandola, f., a small musical instrument resembling a tambourine.
banqueta, f., footstool, seat.
bañado, m. (Sp. A.), also bañadero, water-hole, swamp.
baño, m., bath;
—— maría, steam cooker, double boiler.
barajar, to shuffle cards;
to catch on the wing.
baratillero, m., peddler.
barbudo, -a, bearded, having a long beard.
barca, f., boat;
—— de pesca, fishing boat.
barco, m., boat (this word applies to all kinds of floating craft);
—— de vapor, steamer.
bardo, m., bard.
barquero, m., boatman.
barra, f., bar, reef, or sand-bank at the mouth of a harbor;
—— de fango, mud-bank.
barranca, f., ravine, precipice, cliff.
barrio, m., city ward or district.
barro, m., clay;
loza de ——, earthenware.
bastardo, -a, spurious, illegitimate.
basura, f., sweepings;
withered leaves in a forest.
basurero, m., dust or garbage collector;
dungyard.
batata, f. (Sp. A.), sweet potato.
batey, m., machinery and other appurtenances of a sugar-mill;
(Cuba) the factory itself.
batir, to beat, to stir briskly.
baúl-cómoda, m., wardrobe trunk.
bautismo, m., baptism.
bazar, m. (Sp. A.), store where household goods are sold.
becerro, m., yearling calf.
beduino, -a, Bedouin, Arab of the desert.
begona, f., a S. A. fish.
bejucos, m., creeping plants which climb on trees.
beneficiar, to work and improve a mine;
(Sp. A.) to quarter cattle or sheep.
benteveo, m., South American bird, so named because of its curious cry.
berenjena, f., egg-plant.
bergantín, m., brig, brigantine.
bermejo, -a, of a bright reddish color.
berrear, to bleat like a calf.
berza, f., cabbage.
biblioteca, f., library;
bookcase;
—— giratoria, revolving bookcase.
bienes raíces, m. pl., real estate.
billete, m., ticket.
bisagra, f., hinge.
bisoñería, f. (Sp. A.), lack of experience in the habits of a country.
bizcochuelo, m. (Sp. A.), sponge-cake.
blanquear, to whitewash.
blanquecino, -a, whitish.
bocado, m., bit of a bridle.
boceto, m., sketch;
—— cómico, a short comedy.
bocha, f., wooden ball;
the game of bowls.
bodega, f., storehouse;
wine vault, hence, the establishment where wine is made;
(Sp. A.), grocery.
bodegón, m., a squalid eating-house.
bofetada, f., slap, box, blow in the face with the open hand.
boga, f., a fish.
bohío, m., palm-thatched hut (West Indies).
boina, f., flat, round woolen cap;
cap originally worn by the Carlists.
boldo, m., a medicinal plant found in Chile, used also to color wine.
boleadora, f. (Sp. A.), bifurcated ropes, with weights at the extremities of the bifurcated sections, thrown about the legs of cattle to be caught.
boliche, m. (Sp. A.), the game of ten-pins.
bolos, the game of ten-pins.
bolsa, f., bag, purse;
—— de comercio, stock exchange.
bollo, m., small roll made of fine flour.
bomba, f., pump.
bombilla, f., narrow metal tube ending in a spoon-shaped covered, but perforated, bowl used in drinking mate.
bonetería, f., department in dry-goods stores where knitted goods are sold.
bonito, m., South American fish of fine flavor.
bordado, m., embroidery.
borde, m., strip.
borla, f., tassel.
borracha, f., name applied in Brazil to the rubber tree, sometimes used in Spanish America also.
borrar, to erase, to obliterate, to rub out.
boscaje, m., cluster of trees, grove.
bostezo, m., yawn, yawning.
bota, f., boot;
—— de potro, a crude kind of boot made from the hide covering the joints of the horse’s hind legs;
—— granadera, boot with a stiff cuff, worn by Napoleon’s grenadiers.
botafuego, m., a very highly seasoned dish.
botica, f., drug-store.
boudoir, m. (French), small parlor. The resulting neologism budoar is now in current use.
bóveda, f., vault, arch;
—— celeste, sky.
bovino, -a, relating to cattle.
boyero, m., ox-driver;
a South American bird.
bozal, m., muzzle;
head-stall for a horse.
bracero, m., day laborer.
bramido, m., roar of wild beasts;
bellowing.
brasileño, -a, Brazilian.
bravío, -a, ferocious, savage, wild, untamed.
bravo, -a, brave;
savage, wild;
also applied to beasts;
indio ——, savage Indian.
brazo, m., arm;
bracket.
breva, f., name applied to the first yearly crop of fruit from a fig-tree.
brida, f., bridle, reins.
brinco, m., leap, jump.
brindar, to drink one’s health, to toast.
brío, m., strength, force, vigor;
manliness, spirit, resolution, courage.
brizna, f., blade of grass.
brocal, m., curbstone of a well.
broma, f., joke.
bronceado, -a, brass-paved, brazen.
brotar, to gush, to flow or rush out;
to bud.
brusco, -a, rude, peevish, brusque.
bruto, -a, coarse, rough, crude;
en ——, in a crude state.
bufete, m., desk or writing-table;
lawyer’s office.
buhonero, m., peddler.
buitre, m., vulture.
bullicioso, -a, noisy, lively, restless, clamorous.
buque, m., vessel, ship;
—— mercante, merchant ship.
burgués, -esa, common, not refined.
burla, f., mockery, abuse, sneer.
burlón, m., mocking-bird.
busca, f., search.
butaca, f., armchair;
proscenium seat in a theater.
C
cabalgadura, f., the horse or mule one is riding.
cabalgar, to ride on horse-back.
caballeriza, f., stable.
caballero, m., knight, gentleman;
—— andante, knight-errant.
caballerosidad, f., the condition or quality of being a gentleman.
cabaña, f., shepherd’s hut;
(Sp. A.) stock-breeding establishment.
cabañero, m. (Sp. A.), stock-breeder.
cabecera, f., railroad terminal;
head waters, source of a river.
cabeza, f., head;
(Sp. A.) pommel of a saddle.
cabezada, f., head-stall of a bridle.
cabo, m., extreme, extremity, end;
—— de tabaco, stub of a cigar or cigarette;
al ——, at last.
cabotaje, m., coasting trade.
cabrería, f., place where goat’s milk is sold.
cacao, m., the tree, also the fruit from which the cocoa-bean is obtained.
cacerola, f., stewpan, saucepan.
cacharro, m., coarse earthen pot.
cachupín, also gachupín, m., formerly, a Spaniard who settled in Spanish America.
cada, each, every;
—— uno (-a), each, each one;
—— día, each or every day;
—— vez que, every time that.
cafetal, m., plantation of coffee-trees.
cafeto, m., coffee-tree.
caimito, m., a fruit-tree of tropical America.
caja, f., box, cashier’s desk;
—— de ahorros, savings bank;
—— registradora, cash register.
cal, f., slaked lime;
a la ——, white-washed, kalsomined.
calabaza, f., pumpkin, squash.
calabozo, m., dungeon, cell.
calado, m., draught, the depth of water a vessel draws;
poco ——, shallow draught.
calandria, f., a species of lark found in S. A. and elsewhere.
calaverada, f., foolish or unwise action.
calcar, to trace.
cálido, -a, hot;
piquant.
calinda, f. (Sp. A.), a kind of dance.
calzada, f., road, causeway, paved highway.
calzarse, refl., to put on one’s boots or shoes;
to shoe.
calzonera, f. (Sp. A.), trousers which open at both outer leg-seams, these openings being closed by numerous buttons and buttonholes.
callampa, f. (Sp. A.), mushroom;
derby hat.
callejero, -a, relating to the street.
camarero, m., waiter, steward.
camarote, m., cabin, stateroom, berth.
caminar, to walk;
to march, to proceed.
camino, m., road.
camote, m. (Sp. A.), an unusually large sweet potato found in S. A.
campánula, f., bell-flower.
campaña, f., campaign;
(Sp. A.), the country, as opposed to the city.
campeón, m., champion.
campero, -a (Sp. A.), rural.
campiña, f., field, country, land.
campo, m., country, field.
cana, f., gray hair.
canaca, f. (Sp. A.), relating to the yellow race.
canapé, m., couch, settee, lounge.
cancha, f. (Sp. A.), field for sports, patio, corral;
open space.
candado, m., padlock.
canelo, m., cinnamon tree.
canelón, m., South American tree.
cangrina, f., carbuncle.
cano, -a, gray-haired.
canónico, canonical.
cantar, m., song set to music;
to sing.
cántaro, m., large, narrow-mouthed pitcher.
cantero, m. (Sp. A.), a plot of cultivated ground.
canto, m., song;
poetry, verse;
edge, border, side.
cantor, m., poet, singer.
caña, f., sugar-cane;
a hollow-stemmed reed;
(Sp. A.) rum.
cañada, f. (Sp. A.), rivulet, brook, canyon, gully.
cañagua, f., South American plant.
cañaveral, also cañal (Mex.), m.,
sugarcane plantation.
cañería, f., drain-pipes, water-pipes, piping.
caoba, f., mahogany-tree.
capa, f., cloak, mantle;
layer or stratum;
wrapper-leaf (tobacco).
capataz, m., overseer, superintendent, warden, foreman.
capaz, capable.
capear, to challenge a bull with cloak or flag.
capellán, m., chaplain;
clergyman on a large plantation who has charge of the religious welfare of the family and laborers.
capital, m., money invested or drawing interest;
adj., principal, leading, capital, essential.
capote, m., cloak;
—— para lluvia, raincoat.
caracol, m., snail;
escalera de ——, winding stairs.
característica, f., actress who takes character parts in plays and comedies.
caramba, int., hah! strange!
caramelo, m. (Sp. A.), caramel, candy.
carancho, m., small South American bird of prey.
carbón, m., coal, charcoal.
cardenal, m., cardinal;
a South American bird with brilliant red plumage.
careo, m., the act of confronting the accuser and accused.
cargamento, m., load.
cargar, to load, to charge, to attack.
cariacontecido, sad, mournful.
carne, f., flesh, pulp of fruit.
carnoso, -a, fleshy, pulpy.
caro, -a, expensive;
dear, beloved.
carrera, f., race;
—— con obstáculos, hurdle race.
carretera, f., roadway.
carrillo, m., cheek, the fleshy part of the face.
carta, f., letter;
—— de recomendación, a letter recommending the bearer;
—— de presentación, letter of introduction;
—— de crédito, letter of credit;
chart;
—— de naturaleza, naturalization papers.
cartel, m., (theater) bill, announcement.
cartón, m., cardboard, pasteboard.
cartucho, m. (Sp. A.), paper cone in which grocers wrap purchases.
cartulina, f., bristol board, cardboard.
casa, f., house;
firm;
—— de compra y venta, buyers and venders;
—— de empeño, pawnshop;
—— de remate, auctioneer’s.
casaisaco, m. (Sp. A.), a parasitic plant.
casamiento, m., marriage.
cáscara, f., shell.
caserío, m., village or small town.
casero, -a, domestic.
casi, almost;
—— nunca, very seldom.
castillo, m., castle;
—— de pólvora, fireworks.
castizo, -a, pure (referring to literary style).
casualidad, f., hazard, contingency, chance, accident.
cátedra, f., seat or chair of a professor, head professorship in the Faculty of a university school.
categoría, f., degree, rank.
catimbao, m. (Sp. A.), name applied to a person wearing a mask in a Corpus Christi procession.
cauce, m., bed of a river.
cauchal, m., part of a forest where rubber-trees are abundant.
cauchera, f., see cauchal.
caucho, m., rubber in a raw state.
caudal, m., amount;
(Sp. A.) the amount of water carried by a river.
cauteloso, -a, cautious.
cavado, -a, excavated.
cavar, to dig.
caza, f., hunting.
cazador, m., hunter.
cazuela, f., earthen pot, also the meat cooked in it;
in Sp. A. theaters, the gallery reserved for women (in Cuba, the uppermost gallery).
cebado, -a, fattened.
cebar, to feed animals, to fatten;
—— mate (Sp. A.), to brew and serve “mate.”
cebo, m., bait.
cebón, m., fat bullock or hog.
cedazo, m., sieve;
(Sp. A.) kind of dance.
ceder, to grant, to cede, to yield.
cédula, f., bond, security;
license, such as is granted to properly qualified chauffeurs and aviators.
ceiba, f., cottonwood tree.
ceja, f., eyebrow;
summit of a mountain.
celebrar, to celebrate, to praise, to commend.
celeste, sky-blue.
celosía, f., lattice of a window or door;
Venetian blind.
cemento, m., cement, concrete;
—— armado, reinforced concrete.
cenefa, f., trimming, band on the edge of a stuff.
ceniciento, -a, ash-colored.
ceniza, f., ashes, cinders.
cenizoso, -a, see ceniciento.
centelleante, sparkling, flashing.
centenar, m., a hundred.
centinela, m., sentry.
cercanía, f., proximity, neighborhood, vicinity.
cerda, f., coarse hair in a horse’s tail or mane;
bristle.
cerner, to soar.
cerrajero, m., locksmith.
cerramiento, m., the action of locking or closing.
cerril, rough, mountainous, wild;
untamed.
certificado, m., voucher;
—— de depósito, deposit voucher.
cibelina, f., marten.
cielito, m. (Sp. A.), a folk-dance.
cielo, m., sky, heaven;
—— raso, ceiling.
cierne, see cerner.
cima, f., top, summit.
cimarrón, m., formerly a runaway slave;
a runaway.
cimbrador, -a, flexible.
cincelado, -a, engraved, carved.
cincelar, to chisel.
cincha, f., cinch, girth.
cinchada, f. (Sp. A.), tug-of-war between opposing groups on horseback.
circundado, -a, surrounded.
circundar, to surround.
circunstantes, m. pl., bystanders, persons present.
circunvecino, -a, neighboring, adjacent, contiguous.
cirio, m., long, thick wax candle.
ciruela,
f., plum.
cita, f., appointment, summons;
quotation.
claraboya, f., skylight;
transom.
clarificador, m., a machine in sugar mills which clarifies and purifies sugar.
claro, m., lacune, gap, skylight, void.
clase, m., class, rank;
(Mil.) petty officer.
clausura, f., closure, confinement, retirement.
clave, f., key.
clerical, relating to clergymen or religion.
cloaca, f., sewer.
coartar, to limit, to restrain.
cobrar, to collect, to acquire.
cobrizo, -a, coppery, copper-colored.
coca, f., the dried leaves of coca, coca.
cocer, to boil, to cook.
cocotero, m., cocoanut tree.
cocuyo, m., firefly.
coche, m., coach;
(Sp. A.) railroad or street car.
cochino, m., hog, pig.
codear, to elbow.
cohete, m., rocket, firecracker.
coliseo, m., theater, coliseum.
colmado, -a, filled, heaped.
colmar, to fill, to crown, to heap.
colocación, f., position, job, employment.
coloniaje, m., colonial period in Spanish American history.
colono, m., colonist, planter, agricultural worker.
colorido, m., coloring.
collado, m., foothill; fell, a small eminence.
comadreja, f. (Sp. A.), weasel.
comarca, f., district, territory, countryside.
comedia, f., comedy;
—— de enredo, a comedy, the merit of which consists principally in the complexity of the plot and the ingenuity shown in its development as contrasted with the comedia de costumbres, the object of which is to portray the life and customs of a country.
comedido, -a, civil, polite, obliging.
comedimiento, m., kindness, willingness to oblige.
comercio, m., commerce;
shop.
comité, m., committee.
cómoda, f., bureau, a chest of drawers.
compás, m., pair of compasses, callipers.
competir, to compete with, to vie, to contest, to rival.
componer, to compose or write;
to mend, to repair.
comportar, to carry, to bring together;
refl., to behave or conduct one’s self.
compostura, f., mending, repairing;
composure.
comprometer, to expose, to endanger.
compuerta, f., lock or sluice-gate.
con, with, toward;
para ——, toward;
—— tal que, provided that;
—— que, so then;
—— todo or todo eso, nevertheless, notwithstanding.
conciliábulo, m., secret meeting or confab.
concurrencia, f., competition (in business);
attendance;
audience.
concurrente, m., attendant;
competitor.
concurrir, to concur, to contribute, to coincide.
conferencia, f., lecture.
confiar, to trust in, to depend upon, to hope.
confinado, -a, confined, imprisoned;
aire ——, foul air.
confinar, to confine or shut in.
confite, m., candy, pl. goodies.
confitería, f., candy-store.
confuso, -a, obscure, confused, confounded.
congelación, f., freezing.
congelado, -a, frozen;
carne ——, frozen meat.
congelar, to freeze, to congeal.
congénere, of like kind.
congojoso, -a, afflicting, causing grief.
conmover, to affect, to disturb, to move.
conocimiento, m., bill of lading.
consagrar, to consecrate, to hallow, to devote.
conseja, f., tradition, legend, fable.
consejo, m., counsel, advice; council.
conserva, f., preserve, jam;
pescado en ——, pickled fish.
conservar, to keep, to preserve, to pickle.
consignatario, m., consignee.
consola, f., consol, side-table, shelf.
constar, to vouch for, to be sure of.
contado, -a, scarce, rare;
de ——, instantly;
al ——, for cash;
por de ——, of course.
contador, m., auditor, accountant.
contaduría, f., accounting department, auditor’s office.
contaminado, corrupted, polluted.
contaminar, to corrupt, to pollute.
contar, to count;
to depend upon;
to refer, to tell.
contemplación, f., complaisance;
meditation.
contener, to contain, to refrain, to repress.
contiguo, -a, close by, adjacent.
continuo, -a, constant;
de ——, continually.
contorno, m., neighborhood.
contrabando, m., smuggling.
contrahacer, to imitate, to mimic, to counterfeit.
contramaestre, m., boatswain.
contraponer, to compare, to contrast, to oppose.
contrapuesto, -a, compared, contrasted, opposed.
contratiempo, m., disappointment, setback.
contravención, f., violation of the law.
controversión, f., conversion, equivalence.
conuco, m. (Sp. A.), a very small piece of land, formerly given to slaves by their masters to cultivate for themselves.
convenio, m., pact, agreement.
convenir, to agree, to be of the same opinion;
to fit, to suit, to be convenient.
conversador, m., he who is conversing. Commonly used as an adjective, meaning one who talks too much.
conversión, f., to change the currency from one kind of legal tender to another;
caja de ——, conversion fund.
convoy, m., cruet stand.
copa, f., cup;
—— de árbol, foliage of a tree;
pl. the bosses of a bridle.
copete, m., crest, tuft, aigret.
copihue, m., a very rare vine found only in Chile.
copioso, -a, abundant.
copo, m., flake.
coral, m., choral.
corcel, m. (Poet.), a horse.
corcovo, m., the action of a horse in bucking.
corcho, m., cork.
cordón, m., cord, string.
corillo, -a, diminutive of coro.
coro, m., choir.
corona, f., wreath;
part of a sugar-mill.
coronar, to reach the goal, to crown an effort with success.
corral, m., corral, barn or poultry-yard.
corralón, m. (Sp. A.), a large corral;
timber-yard.
correa, f., leather strap.
corredor, m., corridor, gallery;
—— de bolsa, stockbroker.
correr, to run;
—— con, to take charge of.
corretaje, m., brokerage.
corrida, f., race, course;
—— de la sortija, ring race;
—— de toros, bullfight.
corriente, common, ordinary.
corrillo, m., a circle, a set (of persons).
cortapisa, f., obstacle, hindrance, stumbling-block.
corte, f. (Sp. A.), the capital city.
corteza, f., bark of a tree.
cortinado, m., portière, screen, curtain.
cosecha, f., harvest.
cosechar, to reap.
costal, m., sack or large bag.
costanero, -a, coastwise.
costarricense or costarriqueño, -a, a Costa Rican;
relating to Costa Rica.
costear, to defray the cost;
to skirt the coast.
costurera, f., seamstress.
cotidiano, m., daily.
cotizar, to quote prices.
coulisse (French), side scene, wing.
covacha, f. (Sp. A.), place for the baggage in stage coaches, called the boot.
coz, f., kick.
crecida, f., freshet.
crepuscular, m., a Mexican bird.
cría, f., breeding;
brood.
criador, m., breeder.
criandera, f. (Sp. A.), wet-nurse.
criollaje, m., criollos referred to collectively.
criollo, -a, the Spanish American born with the exception of the full-blooded Indian;
adj., indigenous, national, American in spirit.
cristianar, to baptize.
crudo, -a, raw, crude, savage.
crujido, m., crack, noise made by an arrow, creak.
cruzar, to cross the strain in breeding.
cuadra, f., stable;
(Sp. A.) a city block.
cuadrilla, f., pack of dogs;
gang of laborers;
shift of men.
cuadro, m., frame, picture, description, episode;
square body of troops;
division of the acts in a play or drama;
—— de flores, flower bed;
—— de cafetos, a plantation of 10,000 coffee plants.
cual, which;
el (la) cual, who, which, whom;
tal ——, a few, so so;
—— más, —— menos, much alike;
cada ——, each one.
cuando, when, in case that, though, although, even;
de —— en ——, from time to time;
—— más or —— mucho, at most;
—— menos, at least.
cuanto, -a, how much, as much, all the, all that;
todo ——, all that;
—— antes, as soon as possible;
-os, -as, pl., how many, as many, all the;
en —— a, as to;
—— más, besides;
por ——, inasmuch.
cuarta, f., palm (an old linear measure).
cuartel, m., quarter;
ward of a city.
cubanismo, m., words or idioms peculiar to Cuba.
cubierto, -a, covered, protected;
a —— de, safe from.
cubrir, to cover, to protect, to shelter.
cuenta, f., computation, account, bill;
bead;
darse ——, to realize.
cuentas, f. pl., accounts;
en buenas ——, in fact, in short.
cuento, m., see chisme.
cuerno, m., horn.
cuesta, f., the slope of a mountain;
a cuestas, on one’s shoulders or back.
culminante, highest, overtopping, culminating.
cultor, m., one who professes a cult, an admirer or adherent of an idea or art.
cumbre, f., top, topmost.
cumpleaños, m. pl., birthday.
cumplido, -a, civil, talented, estimable, faultlessly polished.
cupón, m., coupon, an interest-bearing stub attached to a bond.
cura, m., priest.
curato, m., parish.
curioso, -a, inquisitive.
curso, m., course, direction, career.
curtido, -a, tanned;
hardened.
curtir, to tan leather;
to harden, to inure to hardship.
CH
chacra, f. (Sp. A.), small farm, market garden.
cháchara, f., trinket.
chaflán, m., bevel;
obtuse angle;
chamfer;
a dealer in horses;
a young laborer.
chala, f. (Sp. A.), corn husk.
chalet, m. (French), country-house.
chalilones, m. pl. (Sp. A.), carnival celebrations.
chambergo, m. (Sp. A.), soft hat.
chambón, m. (Sp. A.), a blunderer;
an unskilled person.
champus, m. (Sp. A.), a pudding made with corn flour, sugar and orange juice.
chancaca, f. (Sp. A.), raw sugar;
a sweet dish with corn or wheat.
chancho, m. (Sp. A.), pig.
chapear (Sp. A.), to clear ground of undergrowth with the machete.
chapetón, -a, formerly a Spaniard lately arrived in America.
chapetonada, f., a disease incident
to newly arrived Europeans in Spanish America before they become acclimated;
hence, new, unskilled, unversed.
charabón, m., ostrich chicken.
charanga, f. (Sp. A.), a band;
a dance.
charca, f., or charco, m., pool of water.
charlar, to chat, to converse.
charol, m., patent leather.
charqui, m., jerked beef.
Charrúa, m. (Sp. A.), name of an Indian tribe;
a bird.
chascarrillo, m., spicy anecdote.
chasquear, to crack with a whip or lash.
chata, f., a flat-bottomed boat;
pug-nosed.
chaucha, f. (Sp. A.), string bean. See ejote.
Cheviot, m., name given to a variety of sheep.
chicle, m., the crude product from which chewing gum is made.
chicozapote, m., tree from which chicle is made.
chicha, f. (Sp. A.), a little fermented wine;
a beverage made from fermented corn.
chiflar, to whistle.
chiguil, m. (Sp. A.), a kind of tamal.
chilatole, m. (Sp. A.), a dish of corn, red pepper and pork.
chile, m. (Sp. A.), American red pepper.
chilenismo, m., word or idiom peculiar to Chile.
chimango, m. (Sp. A.), a small bird of prey.
chimenea, f., fireplace, hearth.
chinchilla, f., a small quadruped of South America well known for its fur.
chinerío, m., a term applied to a group of Chinese including both sexes.
chinguirito, m. (Sp. A.), rum made from sugar-cane.
chino, -a (Sp. A.), applied to the offspring
from the union of a mulatto or negro and an Indian;
zambo.
chipa, m. (Sp. A.), a kind of bread made of corn-flour.
chipio, m., South American tree.
chirimoya, f., a delicious fruit of tropical America;
custard-apple.
chiripa, m. (Sp. A.), a kind of trousers.
chisme, m., trifle, a maliciously false statement.
chismear, to tattle, to carry tales, to retail scandal.
chismoso, -a, tattler, tale-bearer.
chispa, f., spark.
chiste, m., joke, a funny or witty saying.
chocarrero, -a, rough, coarse, gross.
choclo, m. (Sp. A.), green ear of corn.
chorro, m., a jet, a gush.
choza, f., hut.
chucho, m., a musical instrument made of a hollow cylinder of guadua covered with parchment at both ends, and containing grains of corn.
chupar, to suck.
chupe, m. (Sp. A.), a dish made of boiled potatoes and green corn.
D
dable, possible, feasible, practicable.
dactilógrafo, -a, typist.
dado, -a, given.
dama, f., lady, dame;
primera ——, leading lady in a play.
damasco, m., apricot.
danzón, m. (Sp. A.), a Cuban dance derived from the contradanza.
daño, m., mischief, hurt, damage.
dar, to give, to hit, to impart;
—— en cara, to reproach;
—— con, to meet with, to find out;
—— fiado, or fianza, to give credit or security;
refl., to yield, to give in, to give one’s self up.
decaer, to fail, to retrogress.
decidor, -a, one who speaks with fluency and elegance.
decir, m., discourse, style;
vb., to say, to tell.
decomisar, to confiscate, to seize, to cause to forfeit.
decoración, f. (and pl.), scenery and curtain of a theater.
decreto, m., decree, decision.
decuplar, to increase ten-fold.
defecación, f., to free a liquid from lees or sediment.
dehesa, f., pasture ground.
dejar, to leave;
—— de lado, to leave aside;
déjeme pensar, let me think.
dejo, m., a lingering taste after eating or drinking.
delantero, -a, foremost.
delicia, f., delight, satisfaction.
demanda, f., complaint, claim.
demoledora, f., a crushing machine used in making wine.
demora, f., delay.
dependiente, m. (Sp. A.), clerk;
—— principal, chief clerk.
deponer, to lay by, to put aside, to depose.
deporte, m., sport.
depositar, to deposit, to lay down.
depósito, m., depository, repository.
deprimir, to depress, to humble, to reduce.
depuesto, -a, p. p. of deponer.
derechito (Colloq.), straight ahead.
derecho, m., law, tax, duty, import, toll, due, fee;
—— de gentes, fundamental rights of a people;
libre de ——, duty free.
derretir, to liquefy, to melt;
refl., to become sentimental or tender.
derribar, to demolish, to throw down.
derrochar, to scatter, to waste.
derroche, m., waste, destruction, dissipation.
desagrado, m., displeasure.
desagüe, m., outlet, drain, channel.
desahogo, m., relief, ease, alleviation, domestic convenience.
desalojar, to dislodge, to oust.
desarbolado, -a, unmasted;
(Agr.), without trees.
desarbolar, to dismast.
desatar, to loosen; to lose all control or restraint.
descarga, f., volley.
descendencia, f., descent, extraction;
offspring, family.
descollar, to overtop, to excel.
descomedido, -a, rude, impudent, insolent.
descompasadamente, out of measure or proportion.
descomunal, monstrous, enormous, colossal.
desconocido, -a, unknown;
ungrateful.
descontar, to discount;
to allow for.
descuajar, to weed.
descubierto, m., unpaid balance;
al ——, in blank.
descuento, m., discount.
descuidar, to neglect, to overlook.
desde, from, since;
——... hasta, from... to;
—— que, since;
—— luego, therefore, to begin with;
—— entonces, ever since.
desdicha, f., misfortune, calamity, unhappiness.
desecado, -a, dried up, desiccated.
desembarazar, to free, to disengage, to remove an encumbrance, to unburden.
desembocar, to empty, to flow into (as a river).
desempeñar, to acquit, to discharge an obligation, to fulfill.
desempeño, m., performance, fulfillment.
desencajado, -a, out of joint, out of gear;
changed countenance.
desencajar, to disfigure, to change in expression.
desenfado, m., freedom, ease, calmness.
desenterarse de, refl., to pass by a thing.
desenterrar, to dig up, to unearth, to bring to light.
desenvoltura, f., sprightliness, cheerfulness, a graceful and easy manner or delivery.
desfilar, to defile, to march in files.
desfondar, to injure the bottom of a vessel by grounding.
desfruncir, to loosen the strings of a bag.
desgajar, to lop off the branches of trees.
desgano, m., disgust, aversion, reluctance.
desgreñado, -a, disheveled, disturbed.
desgreñar, to dishevel, to disturb.
designación, f., name.
desleir, to dissolve.
deslizar, to glide, to slip by.
deslumbrado, -a, dazzled, confused.
deslumbrante, dazzling.
deslumbrar, to dazzle;
to confuse the sight or mind.
deslustrar, to tarnish or sully.
desmesuradamente, immeasurably.
desmochar, to lop or cut off.
desmontado, -a, unmounted, dismounted.
desmontar, to take anything to pieces, hence, to put a thing out of joint.
desollar, to skin.
despachar, to pack, to send, to ship goods or merchandise.
despacho, m., cabinet, office;
shop or place where things are sold by retail.
desparramar, to scatter, to spread over.
despectivo, -a, contemptuous.
despegar, to undo, to take apart.
despejar, to clear;
to remove obstacles.
despensa, f., pantry.
desperdicio, m., waste.
desplazamiento, m., displacement of a vessel.
desplegar, to unfold, to display, to open.
desplomarse, refl., to fall to the ground.
despoblado, m., uninhabited, in contrast to cities and towns.
despojado, -a, despoiled, deprived.
despojar, to despoil, to strip of property.
despreciar, to despise, to lay aside, to belittle.
desprenderse, refl., to free one’s self from;
to branch out.
desproveer, to deprive of.
desprovisto, -a, unprovided, unprepared.
después, afterward;
—— de, after;
—— que, after which.
destacar, to detach, to stand out in relief.
destemplado, -a, out of tune.
desterrado, -a, exiled, sent away.
desterrar, to exile, to send away.
destrozar, to destroy, to break into pieces.
desvelarse, refl., to be zealous, careful.
desventurado, -a, unhappy, unfortunate.
deudo, m., relative.
devotísimo, -a, from devoto, said of a saint inspiring devotion.
día, m., day;
en el ——, see hoy;
—— de moda, “society night” or performance.
dictado, m., title of honor;
dictation.
díctamo, m., dittany (a plant).
dicterio, m., keen reproach, insult.
dicho, m., saying, expression, sentence.
diestro, -a, right (as opposed to left).
diezmado, -a, decimated.
diezmar, to decimate.
difundir, to divulge, to publish, to spread.
digno, -a, dignified.
dilatado, -a, large, spacious, extensive, vast.
dilecto, -a, loved, beloved.
diligencia, f., stagecoach;
affair, business, obligation.
diluvio, m., deluge.
dique, m., dike, dam, dock;
—— de carena, dry-dock.
discurrir, to wander about.
discutido, -a, argued, debated.
discutir, to discuss.
disecado, -a, stuffed, dissected.
disecar, to dissect;
to stuff dead animals.
disfrutar, to enjoy.
disimular, to conceal one’s real intentions,
to hide, to color, to misrepresent.
dislocamiento, m., the act of taking things apart.
disolver, to dissolve, to dismember.
disparar, to shoot;
(Sp. A.) to run away.
disputar, to contend, to contest.
diván, m., low cushioned sofa.
dolencia, f., disease, affliction, pain.
domiciliarse, refl., to establish one’s self in a residence.
domicilio, m., residence;
a ——, to the house.
dominar, to control.
dominico, m., friar of the order of St. Dominic;
a South American bird.
doncel, m.. (Poet.), young man.
doncella, f., maid, virgin.
donde, where, in which;
en ——, where, in which;
a ——, to where;
¿por ——? by what way? by what reason? by which reason?
dorado, m., a fish.
dormilón, -a, one who sleeps much;
a South American bird.
dosel, m., canopy.
dotado, -a, dowered, portioned;
—— de, endowed with.
dotar, to endow, to give.
draga, f., dredge, dredger.
dragar, to dredge, to deepen a channel.
drama de tesis, a “problem play.”
duelo, m., sorrow;
duel.
durazno, m., peach.
E
ebanista, m., cabinetmaker.
ébano, m., ebony.
edible, eatable, edible.
edilicio, -a, pertaining to a municipal officer.
educando, m., student.
efluvio, m., exhalation.
efusión, f., effusion, efflux.
egida, f., shield.
egresar (Sp. A.), to leave school after graduation.
eje, m., axis.
ejercer, to perform.
ejercitarse, refl., to practice.
ejote, m. (Sp. A.), string bean.
elaborar, to manufacture, to work out.
elenco, m., the actors and actresses who make up a theatrical company;
list, catalogue, index.
elote, m. (Sp. A.), tender ear of corn.
embalar, to pack, to bale.
embarazado, -a, entangled, embarrassed.
embarazar, to embarrass, to perplex.
embarcación, f., any vessel or ship.
embarque, m., loading a ship, shipment.
embate, m., the dashing of the sea.
embestir, to assail, to attack, to offend.
embocadura, f., mouthpiece (of an instrument);
mouth of a river.
embolsar, to pack in bags or sacks.
embozarse, refl., to muffle one’s self up.
embudo, m., funnel.
embutir, to inlay, to chase, to mix confusedly.
emitir, to issue.
empalme, m., railway junction;
splicing;
connection.
empanizado, m. (Sp. A.), applied to brown sugar in irregular broken pieces.
empapado, -a, soaked.
empapar, to soak.
empaquetar, to pack.
emparrado, m., arbor or bower.
empecatado, -a, wily, evil minded.
empedrado, m., pavement.
empellón, m., push, heavy blow.
empeño, m., earnest desire or purpose;
a favor asked of another.
empeorar, to impair, to grow worse.
empinado, -a, steep.
empleado, m., employee.
empleo, m., occupation, business, employment.
emporio, m., emporium, center.
emprendedor, m., an enterprising person.
empréstito, m., loan.
enaltecer, to extol, to exalt.
enaltecido, -a, aggrandized, praised, exalted.
encaje, m., Gallicism, used in certain parts of South America meaning gold reserve which guarantees the paper currency in circulation.
encaminado, -a, guided, directed, forwarded.
encaminar, to guide, to put on the right road.
encasquetar, to put on one’s hat.
enceguecer, to blind.
encender, to kindle;
to light;
to heat.
encendido, -a, inflamed, glowing, redhot.
encerrarse, refl., to closet one’s self.
encierro, m., enclosure, confinement.
encomendar, to commend, to order (work).
encomiar, to extol, to praise.
encordar, to string a musical instrument.
encurtidos, m. pl., pickles.
enchilada, f. (Sp. A..), a kind of griddle cake made of grated corn, served with highly seasoned chopped meat and peppers.
endeble, feeble, weak, flimsy.
enderezar, to erect;
to rectify.
endoso, m., indorsement.
energúmeno, -a, possessed of a devil.
enganchar, to hook, to attach, to harness the horses to the carriage.
engañarse, refl., to be deceived.
engaño, m., deceit, fraud, falsehood.
engendrar, to produce, to bear fruit.
englobar, to reunite, to consider several things in one.
enhestar, to erect, to place upright.
enhiesto, -a, upright.
enhorabuena, f., congratulation, felicitation.
enjalma, f., kind of packsaddle.
enjaular, to cage.
enjugar, to wipe off moisture.
enlazado, -a, joined, connected.
enlazar, to join, to connect.
enredado, -a, entangled, perplexed;
abashed.
enredar, to entangle, to confound, to perplex, to abash, to annoy.
enrejado, m., trellis, lattice, grating, grill-work.
enriquecerse, refl., to grow rich.
enrizarse, refl., to bristle, to curl.
enroscado, -a, coiled, twisted.
enroscarse, refl., to coil itself.
ensanchar, to widen, to extend, to enlarge.
ensayar, to try, to rehearse.
enseres, m. pl., chattels, fixtures.
ensopado, -a, soaked, wet.
ensopar, to soak.
ensueño, m., sleep, fantasy.
entablar, to cover with boards;
to initiate, to begin.
entable, m., sown field.
entapizar, to adorn with tapestry, to cover.
entenderse, refl., to understand (each other).
entereza, f., integrity, rectitude, fortitude, firmness.
enterrar, to bury.
entiempado, -a, p. p. of entiempar;
(Sp. A.) to be in heat.
entortar, to bend, to make crooked.
entrada, f., income, receipts.
entrambos, -bas, pr. pl., both.
entrañas, f. pl., entrails, bowels.
entreacto, m., between the acts;
interlude.
entrefuerte, middling strong.
entregar, to deliver, to give.
entretejer, to interweave, to knit.
entuerto, m., offence, harm, grievance, mischief.
envase, m., packing;
el ——, the container (as wrapper, box, case, etc.).
envejecer, to grow old.
enyugar, to yoke cattle.
época, f.;
hacer ——, epoch-making, to make or break the record.
epopeya, f., a series of heroic deeds;
an epic.
equino, -a, equine.
equipo, m., equipment, accoutrements, trappings;
athletic team.
equivocarse, refl., to be mistaken.
era, f., wheat field.
erguido, -a, raised up straight.
erguir, to erect, to raise.
erizar, to stand on end.
errar, to miss a blow or a shot.
escabel, m., footstool.
escala, f., ladder;
scale;
(sing. and pl.) route or itinerary of a river, coastwise or ocean going steamship.
escalar, m., to climb.
escamas, f. pl., fish-scales.
escaparate, m., show window.
escarcha, f., hoar frost.
escarpado, -a, craggy, rugged, crabbed.
escasez, f., scantiness, want, lack.
escenario, m., stage.
esclusa, f., lock, sluice, floodgate, milldam.
escoger, to select, to choose, to pick out.
escogido, -a, chosen, picked out, selected.
escolar, m., scholar, student.
escombro, m. (Sp. A.), mackerel.
esconderse, refl., to hide one’s self.
escondidas, a ——, in a secret manner.
escondido, -a, hidden, concealed.
escondite, m., hide and seek;
hiding place.
escopeta, f., gun, firelock.
escribanía, f., office of a notary public.
escribano, m., notary.
escribiente, m., clerk.
escritorio, m., office;
writing-desk.
escuadra, f., fleet;
square, an instrument for measuring right angles.
escuela, f., school.
escurrirse, refl., to slip away, to slip out.
esmalte, m., enamel.
espaldera, f., trellis work for the support of climbing plants.
espantar, to frighten, to horrify.
espata, f. (Bot.), spathe.
especia, f., spice.
especiería, f., grocery store.
específico, m., patent medicine.
espeso, -a, dense, thick.
espiga, f., stalk (of wheat or corn).
espigar, to glean.
espina, f., thorn.
espuela, f., spur.
espuma, f., froth, foam.
esquife, m., skiff, small boat.
esquilmar, to impoverish, to reduce.
esquites, m. pl. (Sp. A.), popcorn.
estabulación, f., the keeping of farm animals in the stable.
estaca, f., stake, picket, post.
estación, f., season;
railway depot;
one of the stations in the Via Crucis (R. C. Ch.).
Estado, m., State, the commonwealth;
each of the States of a country.
estallar, to explode, to burst, to crack.
estancia, f. (Sp. A.), large farm.
estanciero, m., farmer, rancher.
estanco, m., a government monopoly;
place where goods under a monopoly are sold.
estandarte, m., banner, standard, flag.
estante, m., shelf;
—— giratorio, revolving bookcase.
estaño, m., tin.
estar, to be;
—— con, to be of the same opinion;
—— por, to be about to, to prefer;
a —— a lo que, according to.
estero, m., lake near the sea;
salt marsh;
(Sp. A.) swamp;
creek;
dry river;
pool.
estigma, m., stigma, brand, mark.
estirpe, m., race, origin, stock.
esto, en ——, at this moment.
estola, f., stole, a fur garment worn by women.
estrado, m., formerly a dais or raised platform in a drawing room.
estrecho, -a, narrow, close.
estregar, to rub one thing against another.
estrellado, -a, broken, shattered;
starry.
estrellar, to break by collision;
to be filled with stars. In the latter sense it is also used metaphorically.
estreno, m., “first night” performance.
estrépito, m., noise, clamor, bustle.
estribar, to build upon, to support.
estribo, m., stirrup;
step (in vehicles).
estridor, m., noise, crack, screech, stridor.
estro, m. (Poet.), ardor, inspiration.
estrujar, to press out, to squeeze.
estudio, m., study;
—— de abogado, lawyer’s office.
estufa, f., stove.
estupefacto, -a, motionless, petrified, astonished, bewildered.
etapa, f., stage;
station;
stop.
evitar, to avoid.
examen, m., examination, trial, inquiry, search;
—— de reválida, examination required of graduates from foreign colleges and universities before they are permitted to practice in their adopted country.
excusado, -a, exempted, superfluous, useless;
ser ——, to be out of the question.
exigir, to exact, to demand, to require, to urge.
existencia, f., stock in hand, goods.
éxito, m., success.
expediente, m., file of papers bearing on a case;
collection of all the papers belonging to a business matter.
exprimir, to squeeze.
exterior, m., the outside;
el ——, the outside world.
extranjero, -a, stranger, foreigner;
el ——, foreign countries.
extrañar, to wonder at;
(Sp. A.) to miss.
extraño, -a, strange, odd;
stranger;
foreign.
F
fábrica, f., factory.
fabricar, to manufacture.
facón, m. (Sp. A.), large pointed jackknife used by seamen.
factura, f., invoice.
facultad, f. (Sp. A.), each of the colleges of a university.
faena, f., work, labor;
(Sp. A.) a season’s work at the agricultural establishments, rural factories, etc.
faja, f., band, belt, border.
falda, f., skirt, lap;
brow of a hill, slope.
faldellín, m., baby’s skirt or petticoat.
faldón, m., long flowing skirt, flap.
faltar, to need, to lack;
¡no faltaría más!, it needed only that!
fallar, to pass sentence, to judge, to render judgment.
falleba, f., iron bar for fastening doors and windows.
famélico, -a, hungry, ravenous.
familiar, domestic, familiar, tame.
fango, m., mire, mud, slime.
fantasioso, -a (Sp. A.), proud, boastful.
fardo, m., bale of goods.
farol, m., lantern, street lamp.
fastidio, m., weariness, lassitude, ennui.
fatalmente, ominously; fatally, helplessly.
feraz, fertile, fruitful.
ferretería, f., hardware store.
fiambre, m., cold meat (as food).
fianza, f., caution, guaranty, security, bail.
ficha, f., library card.
fieltro, m., felt.
fiero, -a, fierce, ugly, rough, huge, awe-inspiring.
figura, f., figure, shape, statue, image, ill-shaped person.
figurar, to be conspicuous, to rank, to represent;
refl., to imagine, to fancy.
fila, f., line (of soldiers).
filón, m., vein, lode, mineral layer.
fin, m., end;
al ——, at last;
a —— de, in order that;
en —— or por ——, finally, lastly.
finca, f., real estate;
land or house property.
fingir, to feign, to pretend, to fancy, to imagine what does not really exist.
fino, -a, fine, perfect, high grade.
firmado, signed, subscribed.
firmar, to sign, to subscribe.
fisonomía, f., features, and by extension, figure, persons.
flaquear, to weaken, to lose vigor, to slacken.
flete, m., freight;
—— a destino, “through freight” (to destination).
flor, f., flower, blossom;
—— de calentura, wild plant of the Antilles.
florecimiento, m., blooming;
thriving;
prosperity.
florero, m., flower-pot.
florón, m., ornament resembling a large flower, rosette.
flota, f., fleet, squadron.
flotilla, f., a small fleet.
fogonero, m., fireman, stoker.
fogoso, -a, fiery, vehement, ardent, fervent;
lively.
foguista, m. (Sp. A.), see fogonero.
follón, m., rogue, villain;
mean, despicable fellow.
fomento, m., patronage, protection, support, encouragement;
improvement.
fondo, m., depth;
fund;
(Sp. A.) back yard.
foramen, m., hole in the nether millstone.
forjado, -a, forged, framed.
forjar, to frame, to make, to invent;
to work out in a foundry;
to counterfeit.
forraje, m., fodder.
fortaleza, f., fortitude, firmness;
fortress.
fraile, m., friar, monk.
franquear, to exempt, to grant immunity from;
to pay the postage.
frecuentado, -a, frequented, visited often.
frecuentar, to visit often, to frequent.
frenesí, m., frenzy, madness, distraction.
freno, m., bridle or bit of the bridle.
frente, f., forehead;
m., front.
fresco, m., cool temperature;
pintar al ——, to fresco.
frescura, f., coolness.
frigio, -a, Phrygian, pertaining to Phrygia.
frigorífico, m. (Sp. A.), packing house;
refrigerating plant.
fríjol, m. (Sp. A.), bean.
friso, m., frieze.
frondoso, -a, leafy, luxuriant.
fronterizo, -a, frontier;
on the border.
frontón, m., main wall of a hand-ball court.
fructuoso, -a, fruitful, useful, profitable, fecund.
fruta, f., fruit;
—— de conde, a South American fruit.
fruticultura, f., fruit-growing.
frutilla, f. (Sp. A.), strawberry.
frutos, m. pl., vegetable products in general.
fuente, f., source;
fountain, spring.
fuera, out, outside;
—— de, out of;
—— de eso, besides, moreover;
—— de esto, short of this;
—— de que, beside this.
fuereño, -a (Sp. A.), an outsider, a person from the provinces.
fuerza, f., power;
—— motriz, horse, steam or electric power.
función, f., performance;
—— de abono, subscription performance;
—— ordinaria, popular performance;
—— de moda, society performance;
—— por secciones or por tandas, continuous performance.
fundición, f., foundry.
fundo, m.,., rural property;
(Sp. A.) large estate.
fusión, f., fusion, amalgamation, union.
fuste, m., saddle-tree, wooden framework of a saddle.
G
gabazo, m. (also bagazo), sugar cane from which the juice has been extracted, refuse from a sugar mill.
gachas, f. pl., any sort of soft pap or porridge.
galán, m., gentleman;
—— joven, actor who takes the part of a lover.
galante, courtly, particularly toward ladies.
gallardía, f., graceful air and deportment;
manly grace.
galleta, f., biscuit, hardtack.
galletita, f. (Sp. A.), small biscuit or cracker.
gallina, f., hen;
—— ciega, f., blindman’s buff.
gana, f., appetite;
inclination;
de buena ——, with pleasure, willingly.
ganadería, f., cattle-raising, breeding of cattle and sheep.
ganadero, -a, stock-raiser, stock-breeder.
ganado, m., live-stock, cattle;
herd.
ganar (Sp. A.), to reach, to arrive;
to win, to earn;
refl. (S. A.), to take refuge.
ganga, f., bargain;
anything valuable acquired with little labor.
garbo, m., grace, elegance of manner and deportment.
garboso, -a, graceful, elegant;
generous.
garduña, f., marten.
garibaldina, f., a red shirt worn by Garibaldi’s volunteers from South America.
garra, f., claw, talon.
garrotazo, m., blow with a cudgel or blackjack.
garza, f., heron.
gasa, f., gauze.
gato, -a, cat;
—— montés, wildcat.
gauche (French), awkward, unskillful.
gaucho, m., the half-breed native of Argentina or Uruguay, who in character is akin to our Western cowboy.
gaveta, f., drawer (Carp.).
gavilla, f., sheaf of wheat, corn, etc.
género, m., manner, kind;
—— chico, playlet, short comedy.
genio, m., genius, spirit.
gente, f. (Sp. A.), the personnel of a farm;
people.
gerente, m., manager.
gesto, m., attitude, gesture;
a commendable act.
ginebra, f., gin.
gira, f., or jira, outing, trip.
glaciar, m., Gallicism for helero, ventisquero;
glacier.
glorieta, f., summer-house, bower, arbor.
goleta, f., schooner.
golosina, f., dainty, tid-bit.
goma, f., rubber.
gorgorito, m., effervescent bubble.
grabado, m., engraving, etching.
grada, f., seat in an amphitheater.
grama, f., grass.
granizo, m., hail.
granja, f., farm, country house;
grange (in the old-fashioned sense).
granjear, to gain the favor or goodwill of another;
to get, to obtain.
grato, -a, pleasant, agreeable.
gravamen, m., charge, obligation, burden.
gravoso, -a, grievous, offensive, onerous, burdensome.
graznido, m., croaking noise.
gresca, f., quarrel, wrangle.
gringo, m., nickname applied to foreigners, especially English and Americans.
gritado, -a, shouted, shrieked.
gritar, to shout, to cry out, to shriek.
grosezuelo, -a, affectionate diminutive of grueso.
grueso, -a, fat, stout.
grumete, m., cabin-boy.
gruñido, m., growl.
gruñir, to growl, to grumble, to grunt;
to creak.
guacamaya, f., macaw.
guáimaro, m., small shot.
guajiro, m. (Sp. A., esp. Cuba), field laborer, rustic.
guanábana, f., variety of chirimoya or custard-apple.
guanajo, m. (in Cuba), turkey.
guano, m. (Sp. A.), indigenous name applied to palm-trees in general.
guapetón, m., one who boasts of his daring;
brave, daring.
guapo, -a (Sp. A.), brave, daring.
guaraní, m. (Sp. A.), Indian tribe.
guarapo, m., juice of the sugar cane.
guardaagujas, m., switchman.
guardabarreras, m., watchman in charge of a railway crossing.
guardatrén, m., railway conductor.
guarecerse, refl., to take refuge, to hide from danger.
guarnecer, to garnish.
guarrús, m. (Sp. A.), beverage made of corn or rice and sugar.
guayaba, f., fruit of the guava-tree.
guedeja, f., lock of hair.
guerrilla, f., guerrilla, irregular partisan warfare.
guinchar, to prick.
guinche, m., machine for raising heavy articles;
winch.
guinda, f., cherry.
guiñada, f., knowing wink.
guirindola, f., shirt-front or frill.
guisa, f., guise;
a —— de, in the form or manner of.
H
habilidoso, -a (Sp. A.), accomplished, clever.
habitador, -a, inhabitant, dweller.
habla, f., speech, idiom, language.
hablantín, -ina, a talkative person; chatterbox.
hacia, toward(s);
—— adelante, forward;
—— acá, hither, hitherward;
¿—— dónde? whither?
hacienda, f., landed estate;
estate, fortune, wealth;
public treasury, finances;
Ministerio de ——, Treasury Department;
(Sp. A.) cattle and sheep taken collectively.
hacha, f., torch.
hall, m. This word has become naturalized in Uruguay and Argentina where it means a large assembly room, or a vestibule or lobby.
hartura, f., satiety;
enough and to spare.
hayaca, f. (Sp. A.), sweet cake made of corn-flour, spices and sugar.
haz, m., bundle, sheaf.
hectárea, f., a measure of surface equivalent to about 2½ acres.
hectolitro, m., 100 litres. An hectoliter is a little less than 3 bushels.
helada, f., frost.
helado, -a, chilled, frozen.
helar, to chill, to freeze.
henchido, -a, increased, swollen.
henchir, to increase, to swell.
hender, to crack, to split.
henequén, m., maguey, American agave, hemp.
herencia, f., inheritance, heritage.
herir, to strike, to offend;
to wound.
hervir, to boil;
to be crowded with people.
hervoroso, -a, in a state of ebullition, fiery, ardent, impetuous.
herramienta, f., tool, instrument.
hico, m., cord or leather thong.
hielo, m., ice;
—— flotante, iceberg.
hienden, from hender.
hierro, m., iron;
—— en lingotes, pig iron;
—— forjado or batido, wrought iron;
—— colado, cast iron.
higo, m., fig.
higuera, f., fig-tree.
hijo, m., son;
—— del país, see criollo.
hilar, to spin.
hilera, f., row, line.
hipódromo, m., an enclosure devoted to horseracing;
race-track.
hipoteca, f., mortgage.
hiriendo, from herir.
hocico, m., snout or muzzle of a beast.
hogar, m., home;
the fireside, the hearth.
hojalatero, m., tinsmith.
holganza, f., diversion, recreation, amusement, ease.
holgorio, m., mirth, jollity, noisy merriment.
hollar, to tread upon.
hondonada, f., canyon, ravine, bottom of a steep place.
hora, f., hour, time;
a la ——, on time, in the nick of time;
en —— mala, fatal moment;
en —— buena, the propitious moment.
horcón, m., a forked stick or branch.
horizonte, m., cardinal points;
horizon.
hormiguero, m., ant-hill.
hornero, m., baker;
oven-bird.
hostigado, -a, harassed, galled, pursued;
bored.
hostigar, to lash, to scourge, to harass.
hoy, to-day;
—— día or —— en día or —— en el día, nowadays;
—— por ——, to-day at least.
huachinango, m. (Sp. A.), red snapper, a sea-fish abundant in West
Indian waters and the Gulf of Mexico.
huaso, m. (Sp. A.), Chilian peasant.
hueso, m., bone;
pit or stone (of a fruit).
hular, m. (Sp. A.), a forest or plantation of rubber trees.
hule, m. (Sp. A.), rubber, rubber tree.
¡hum! an exclamation of surprise or doubt.
humear, to emit smoke or steam.
humita, f. (Sp. A.), small cake or croquette of grated sweet corn and sugar.
hurtadillas, a ——, slyly, artfully, in a furtive manner.
husmear, to scent, to inspect curiously;
to pry.
huso, m., spindle.
I
ijar, m., flank (of an animal).
iluminado, -a, enlightened, inspired.
ilustración, f., illustration;
education.
impartir, to grant, to give, to impart.
impecable, impeccable, faultless.
impericia, f., lack of knowledge or experience.
imponderable, inexpressible, unutterable.
imponerse, refl., to prevail, to become dominant, to impose.
impreso, -a, printed, stamped;
movimiento ——, transmitted motion.
imprimir, to print, to stamp.
improviso, de ——, unexpectedly, suddenly.
impuesto, m., tax, impost, duty.
impuesto, -a, imposed, informed.
Inca, m., a race of Indians dominant in Perú in the 15th and 16th centuries.
incólume, unharmed, safe, sound.
incómodo, -a, uncomfortable.
inconfundible, unmistakable.
incorporar, to embody.
indagar, to investigate, to ascertain the facts.
indeciso, -a, irresolute, hesitating.
indiano, -a, native or resident of the Spanish West Indies.
indicio, m., mark, sign, token, indication.
indómito, -a, untamed, ungovernable, wild.
indumentaria, f., relating to wearing apparel in general.
ineludible, unavoidable, inevitable.
infamar, to defame, to besmirch.
ingenio, m., genius, mental power;
—— de azúcar, sugar-mill.
ingenioso, -a, endowed with genius;
clever, inventive.
ingénitamente, instinctively.
ingente, large, huge, numerous.
ingrato, -a, unpleasant, ungrateful;
ingrate.
ingresar, to enter.
inhabilitar, to render unfit, to disqualify.
iniciador, -a, initiator, founder, original.
innegable, undeniable, indisputable.
inofensivo, -a, inoffensive, harmless.
inolvidable, unforgetable.
insólito, -a, unusual, unaccustomed.
inspirar, to inspire, to arouse;
—— confianza, to inspire confidence.
inspiratriz, f., one who inspires.
insulso, -a, insipid, tasteless;
dull.
intachable, spotless, blameless.
inteligente, m., talented, skillful, intelligent, clever.
intemperie, f., rough weather;
a la ——, open air.
intentar, to try, to attempt, to endeavor.
intento, m., purpose;
de ——, on purpose.
intercambio, m., foreign commerce;
exchange.
intermedio, m., interval;
intervention, good offices of, through;
por —— de, through.
interponerse, refl., to go between, to interpose one’s self.
intimidad, f., intimacy;
familiarity or close connection.
íntimo, -a, intimate, familiar, near.
intrépido, -a, brave, intrepid, daring.
intruso, -a, intrusive;
pushing, intruder.
inundación, f., flood, inundation.
inusitado, -a, unusual.
invendible, unsalable.
inversa, inverse;
a la ——, on the contrary, conversely.
investir, to invest, to lay out money.
invierno, m., winter;
(Sp. A.) rainy season (really the summer).
inyectado, -a, bloodshot.
J
jaca, f., nag, pony.
jactancia, f., boastfulness;
ostentation.
jadear, to pant.
jarabe, m., sirup, sugar-cane juice after boiling;
—— tapatío, a popular Mexican dance.
jarano, m., a wide-brimmed hat.
jarrazo, m., blow given with a pitcher.
jarro, m., pitcher, jug.
jazmín, m., jasmine.
jebe, m. (Sp. A.), rubber.
jefe, m., chief;
—— de cuadrilla, foreman of a gang;
—— de estación, station master;
—— de oficina, manageror chief clerk.
jerga, f., jargon, vernacular.
jíbaro, m., palm hat worn by laborers in the Antilles.
jilguero, m., linnet.
jinete, -a, rider.
jipi, f., short for jipijapa;
see jipijapa.
jipijapa, f., a kind of Panama hat;
a weaving pattern.
jornal, m., work by the day, a day’s work.
jubre, f., grease in wool in its natural state;
lanolin.
Judío, -a, Jew; Jewess.
juego, m., set, game;
gambling.
juez, m., judge.
jugar, to play;
to gamble.
jugo, m., juice.
juguete, m., plaything;
—— cómico, a short comedy;
—— lírico, a short musical extravaganza.
junco, m., rush, reed.
juntura, f., joint;
juncture, junction.
jurídico, -a, judicial.
justicia, f., justice;
—— ordinaria, the lower court.
K
kilo, kilogramo, m., a metric unit of weight, equivalent to about 2-1⁄5 lbs.
L
labor, f., task, toil, tillage.
laborear, to work;
to ornament.
labranza, f., working, tillage, plowing.
labrar, to work out.
lacho, m., a bold, enterprising young man.
ladera, f., declivity, slope, hillside.
ladrido, m., barking.
lagarto, m., lizard.
laguna, f., lacuna;
pond, lagoon.
laico, -a, pertaining to the laity.
lámina, f., sheet (of metal).
lance, m., chance, casualty, occurrence;
quarrel.
lancha, f., launch.
lancheta, f., small launch.
lanchón, m., lighter, barge, scow.
langosta, f., locust.
langostín, m., lobster.
lanzada, f., blow with a lance.
lanzadera, f., shuttle.
largo, long;
¡va ——! there is plenty of time.
látex, m., sap from the rubber-tree.
latón, m., brass.
laúd, m., lute.
lazo, m., lasso;
loop;
tie.
leche, f., milk;
—— de coco, cocoanut milk.
legua, f., league.
lento, -a, slow, lingering.
leña, f., firewood.
leñero, m., dealer in wood;
a South American woodpecker.
lépero, -a (Sp. A.), of the lowest class, one of the rabble;
outcast.
lerdo, -a, slow, dull, obtuse.
letra, f., letter;
—— de cambio, bill of exchange;
—— de aceptación, letter of acceptance.
levadura, f., leaven, yeast.
levantamiento, m., upheaval, uprising, revolt.
levantar, to raise, to pile up, to make;
—— una fortuna, to make a fortune;
to raise the quarry (hunting);
to catch sight of.
levita, f., Prince Albert coat.
ley, f., law;
act, ordinance, statute.
libar, to suck, to sip, to quaff.
librado, -a, freed;
—— a sí mismo, left to one’s own devices.
librar, to free, to extricate, to exempt.
libre, free, uncumbered, exempt;
—— de gastos a bordo, free on board, f.o.b.
libro, m., book;
—— de propaganda, advertising matter in general.
licitación privada, f., sealed bids;
private bid as opposed to public bid.
lid, f. (Poet.), battle, strife, struggle.
liga, f., alloy, mixture;
link, bond.
ligar, to link, to tie, to bind.
ligero, -a, light;
swift.
lima, f., file;
lime (fruit).
limeño, -a, applied to a native of Lima, Perú.
límite, m., limit, boundary, border.
limítrofe, bounded, as one country by another.
limpio, -a clean;
—— de, free from.
linaje, m., class;
line, family, breed.
línea, f., line, track;
rank, file;
primera ——, first rank.
lírico, -a, lyric, musical;
(Sp. A.) visionary.
lisa, f., a smooth-skinned fresh-water fish common in S. A. streams;
a polishing stone.
liso, -a, plain, even, flat.
lisonja, f., flattery, compliment;
high esteem.
listo, -a, ready, prompt, active, clever.
litre, m., a Chilean tree.
lo, the, it, him, you, so;
—— que, that, which, what;
—— cual, which.
loado, -a, praised, eulogized.
loar, to praise, to eulogize.
lobo, m., wolf;
—— marino, seal.
locoto, m. (Sp. A.), a kind of red pepper.
locro, m. (Sp. A.), a kind of hash or stew composed of squash, potatoes, tender corn, meat or fish, etc.
loma, f., rising ground;
a hillock;
slope.
lona, f., canvas.
lonja, f., grocery;
leather strap.
loza, f., china;
—— -piedra, a kind of earthenware.
lozanía, f., exuberant growth;
elegance;
bloom.
lozano, -a, luxuriant, fresh;
sprightly.
luciérnaga, f., firefly.
lucir, to glitter, to shine;
to display.
luego, presently, immediately, forthwith, instantly;
desde ——, from the present moment;
at the outset;
conj., then, therefore.
lugarejo, m., hamlet, small village.
luto, m., mourning;
—— riguroso, deep mourning.
LL
llaga, f., ulcer, sore, wound.
llanero, m., a plainsman, a prairieman.
llaneza, f., straightforwardness, simplicity.
llanura, f., plain, prairie.
llorar, to weep;
to deplore.
llucta, f., a limy substance which, mixed with coca leaves, is chewed by the Indians of Bolivia and Perú.
M
maceración, f., act or state of bruising, crushing or cutting into pieces.
machetazo, m., blow or stroke with a machete.
machete, m., a sort of cutlass used in cutting cane.
madeja, f., skein;
lock of hair.
madrastra, f., stepmother.
madreselva, f., honeysuckle.
madrigalizar, to compose madrigals.
madrina, f., godmother.
madroño, m., madrone, a tree used for firewood and to make charcoal;
a tree, the fruit of which resembles strawberries.
maduración, f., maturity;
completion.
madurar, to mature, to ripen.
maduro, -a, ripe, mature, perfect.
maestría, f., mastery;
mastership, complete knowledge.
magisterio, m., the profession of teaching.
magno, -a, great;
grandiose.
maguey, m., American agave.
maizal, m., corn-field.
majada, f. (Sp. A.), flock of sheep.
maldad, f., wickedness;
(Sp. A.) practical joke.
maldito, -a, damned, cursed, confounded.
maleza, f., undergrowth, thicket;
weeds.
malilla, f., a game of cards resembling whist.
maloja, f. (Sp. A.), the leaves and stalks of corn used as fodder.
malla, f., mesh, network.
mamey, m. (Sp. A.), mammee-tree;
its sweet, melon-like fruit.
mampostería, f., masonry.
manada, f., flock, herd.
mancarrón, m. (Sp. A.), a worn-out old horse.
mandadero, m., porter, messenger, errand-boy.
mandar, to send, to command;
—— a paseo, to send “to Jericho.”
mandarina, f. mandarin orange.
mando, m., command, government.
manejo, m., handling, management;
measure, time in music.
manga, f., hurricane, whirlwind, waterspout.
mango, m., mango-tree, or its fruit.
manguito, m., muff.
manija, f., handle;
ring or brace.
manipulado, -a, manipulated, handled.
manipular, to work, to handle.
mano, f., hand;
—— de, coat or coating of.
manojo, m., bundle;
handful, bunch.
manotear, to gesticulate.
manso, -a, tame;
gentle.
manta, f., blanket;
cover.
manto, m., mantle, veil, cloak.
manzano, m., apple-tree.
mañoso, -a, clever;
possessed by a mania;
obstinate;
cunning.
mapurito, m. (Sp. A.), skunk.
máquina de escribir, f., typewriter, writing machine.
maraña, f., an impassable bramble patch.
marco, m., frame;
doorcase, windowcase.
marchante, m. (Sp. A.), customer, buyer.
marchar, to depart, to leave;
to walk.
marchitar, to fade, to wither, to die.
marchito, -a, withered, faded, decayed.
marea, f., tide.
maroma, f., thick cord, rope, cable.
marrullero, -a (Sp. A.), crooked, swindling;
wheedler.
marta, f., marten.
martín pescador, m., kingfisher.
más, more, most, plus;
no —— que, only;
a lo ——, at most;
ni —— ni menos, exactly, neither more nor less;
a —— tardar, at latest;
a —— y mayor, greatly, highly, at best.
masa, f., dough;
mortar;
volume;
(Sp. A.) cake.
mascabado, -a, a raw, unrefined muscovado.
máscara, f., mask, disguise;
masquerader.
mascullar, to mumble, to falter in speaking.
mata, f., small bush, dump of shrubs;
underbrush.
matadero, m., slaughterhouse.
matanza, f., slaughtering.
matarife, m., slaughterman;
butcher.
mate, m. (Sp. A.), a beverage made with leaves from the yerba mate tree;
the dried gourd in which the beverage is served. See bombilla.
materia, f., matter, subject;
—— primera, raw material.
matero, -a, a confirmed drinker of
mate.
matungo, m., an old discarded horse.
maturrango, -a, a poor horseman.
mayor, m., elder, elderly;
—— de edad, of age;
al por ——, by wholesale.
mayoral, m., overseer;
car conductor.
mayorista, m., wholesale dealer.
mazacote, m. (Sp. A.), brown sugar.
mazamorra, f., porridge.
mazorca, f., ear of corn.
mecanógrafo, m., typist.
mecedora, f., rocking-chair;
swinging.
mecedura, f., act of rocking.
medida, f., measure;
a —— de or que, by degrees, in proportion to, at the same time as.
medidor, m., meter (gas, water or electric).
medio, m., middle, center;
medium.
medrar, to thrive, to prosper.
mejicanismo, m., word or phrase peculiar to Mexico.
mejor, better;
—— que ——, much better still;
a lo ——, when least expected, unexpectedly;
a cual ——, to a wish;
tanto ——, so much the better.
mejorar, to improve, to cultivate, to mend.
melaza, f., molasses.
melena, f., long hair spread over the shoulders;
mane.
melocotón, m., peach.
membrudo, -a, muscular, strong.
memoria, f., report;
memory, recollection.
menaje, m., ménage, furniture, household goods.
menester, m., necessity, need, want;
ser ——, to be necessary, to be needed.
menos, less, least;
a —— que, unless;
a lo —— or por lo ——, at least, however;
mucho ——, much less;
tener en ——, to underrate. For other
forms with más, see más.
menudeo, m., retail.
menudo, m., intestines, viscera;
small, of little value.
mercería, f., haberdasher who deals in small furnishings.
merecimiento, m., merit, desert.
merino, m., breed of sheep.
merluza, f., a fish of the cod family, hake.
merma, f., waste, leakage, shortage, diminution.
meseta, f., plateau.
mestizo, -a, the offspring of a white man and an Indian woman.
mesura, f., civility, politeness, moderation, measure.
meta, f., boundary, limit, goal.
metal (de voz), quality of the voice;
timbre.
meterse, refl., to intrude.
metralla, f., shrapnel.
métrica, f., metrical;
measured.
metro, m., meter, the unit of length in the decimal system;
—— poético, meter, versification.
mezcolanza, f. (Coll.), bad mixture.
micho, m., pussy.
miel, f., honey;
—— de caña, molasses.
Miércoles de Ceniza, m., Ash Wednesday.
mies, f., wheat or other grain from which bread is made.
milonga, f. (Sp. A.), folk-song.
mimado, -a, spoiled, humored.
mimar, to pet, to spoil.
mimbre, m., willow, wicker.
mimus, m., mocking-bird.
mineral, m., ore;
mineral.
ministro, m., minister, a member of the President’s Cabinet.
minorar, to lessen, to reduce.
minuciosidad, f., minuteness of detail;
exactitude.
minucioso, -a, minutely or over exact;
nice, scrupulous.
mira, f., look, glance;
object, goal, purpose.
mirasol, m., sunflower;
(Sp. A.) heron.
mirlo, m., blackbird.
misia, from mi sea, a short and affectionate form used instead of mi señora in addressing elderly ladies.
misionero, -a, belonging to the Territory of Misiones, Argentina.
mismísimo, -a, an emphatic form of mismo, -a.
mixto, -a, of both sexes;
mixed.
moblaje,
Notes
A, B, C, CH, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, LL, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, Y, Z