One Word Meaning Two Things?

Question

So, whenever I want to know what a new word means that I haven't seen before, like most people; I look it up. But sometimes one word can mean two different things, so how do you know which word it will be when that certain word could mean either definition? Example: Lindo- Pretty, Cute

Answer 1

You know from context, just as in English when context tells you that read is in either present or past tense.

:) - FELIZ77, Aug 22, 2016

But pretty and cute can both be used when describing an object with that word, how do you know which one it is? You could compliment a lady's dress saying it looks pretty or cute - Yoshifan, Aug 22, 2016

And you can also say, "It looks pretty cute" (Here pretty is acting as an adverb) - Daniela2041, Aug 22, 2016

I would say that "lindo" typically means "cute". In English, most people would say, "That dress is cute" intending to say that it is pretty. However, there are three different words for explaining this (that I know of). Lindo/a, hermoso/a, bonito/a. - codyandrews1993, Aug 23, 2016

Answer 2

As JulianChivi says you know from context. If you are interested in translating from English to Spanish or vice versa, you need to "back translate" and look for the English to Spanish. For example, see what you get for cute and pretty. You also know that in English we may refer to a man or boy as cute but never pretty. All the best in your studies and endeavors to become fluent in Spanish!

Answer 3

I think that English "takes the gold" for homonyms. Consider:

"Spring" ---a season of the year.

"Spring" ---a small body of water.

"Spring ----a coiled length of wire with tension on it.

"Spring"----to jump.

Y siempre nos dicen "¡Aprendan inglés! Well I did, but there are still some mysteries about this language.

Typo: year not hear. Also: Please don't spring this on me all at once! - Jubilado, Aug 23, 2016

Thanks, I'll fix it. - Daniela2041, Aug 23, 2016