Does the word 'paraguas' for umbrella have anything to do with the country Paraguay?

Question

Just wondering...

Answer 1

paraguas is a compound word from parar (stop) agua (water)

Paraguay comes from either the name of an indigenous tribe or a river.

That makes more sense. I never looked it up, but always thought it was a combination of "para" (for) and "agua" (water). I know I am simple minded!!! - Nicole-B, Oct 8, 2009

¡Porsupuesto! Gracias lorenzo - pablopimiento, Oct 8, 2009

Answer 2

Just for your vocabulary, for umbrella, in Colombia we say: "paraguas" and also "sombrilla"

They look pretty much the same, but sombrilla, I believe, is for protecting you from the sun.

Answer 3

Just for your vocabulary, for umbrella, in Colombia we say: "paraguas" and also "sombrilla"

Is that because they are used to keep the sun off as well? - ian-hill, Oct 8, 2009

oops didn´t see the post below. - ian-hill, Oct 8, 2009

Answer 4

On this umbrella thing, is it more appropriate to use one term over another depending on the weather? In other words, say it's raining, to me it seems "paraguas" would be more fitting than "parasol" or "quitasol" (the latter perhaps not so common for a hand-held version)... and if it's dry as a bone outside, using "paraguas" might elict some raised eyebrows, even though it's arguably correct.... so, is it contingent on the degree of precipitation on any given day

"Sombrilla" also has more of a connection with sunshine as opposed to rainfall... anyone?

Answer 5

I don't think so - It could have something to do with the indigenous people of that part of South America called the Quarani. I will have to check that though.

Just checked - That is not correct - the country is named after the river that runs through the country.

Hey, Ian, went a little overboard with the lipstick, did we? (picking on your new avatar is all ;-P) Isn't cool that almost any insult is made tolerable with a smiley? - webdunce, Oct 8, 2009

Hi Web - you like my new make up then? - ian-hill, Oct 8, 2009

By the way it is a mask from Sri Lanka that wards off evil spirits. - ian-hill, Oct 8, 2009

Hands up all those who think it is an improvement, hehe. Sorry Ian, just joking. - Eddy, Oct 8, 2009

Answer 6

Not that it the definitive answer to anything but Wikipedia says:

The country is named after the river that runs through the center of the country, from north to south. There are at least four versions for the origin of the river's name. The literal translation from Guaraní is Para = of many colors; Gua = from or belonging to or place; Y = water or river or lake.

I.e., this source is saying that the word is derived from Guarani, not from Spanish.