Exploring Polysemy: 3 Words with Multiple Meanings in Spanish

Polysemy, or the ability of a word to have multiple meanings, is a fascinating feature of Spanish that reflects its richness and linguistic versatility. In this article, we will explore 10 common words that demonstrate this phenomenon, along with their diverse meanings and uses in different contexts.

• Llave (Key):

• Object for opening and closing locks: "Por favor, pasa la llave para abrir la puerta."

• Tool for adjusting or tightening nuts and screws: "Necesito una llave inglesa para apretar este tornillo."

• Technique used in martial arts to immobilize an opponent: "El luchador aplicó una llave de brazo para ganar la pelea en MMA."

• Valve used to control the flow of water "¡Cierra la llave!"

• Corte (Cut):

• Action of dividing something with a sharp instrument: "El chef hizo un corte preciso en la carne."

• Style or manner of dressing or behaving: "Ella tiene un corte de cabello moderno."

• Action of interrupting or stopping something in its course: "Hubo un corte en la transmisión del programa de televisión."

• Banco (Bank):
  

• Long seat without a back: "¡Pásame el banco de la sala!"

• Financial institution where monetary transactions are conducted: "Necesito ir al banco a depositar un cheque."

• Accumulation of sand or mud along a body of water, such as a river or shoreline: "Me encanta caminar en el banco de area de HOLBOX, Mex."

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