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"Embalse" is a form of "embalse", a noun which is often translated as "reservoir". "Presa" is a form of "presa", a noun which is often translated as "prey". Learn more about the difference between "embalse" and "presa" below.
el embalse(
ehm
-
bahl
-
seh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
1. (deposit)
2. (retention)
a. damming
El embalse de ese tramo del río causó un aumento en el número de inundaciones en la zona.The damming of that stretch of the river has caused increased flooding in the area.
la presa(
preh
-
sah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
a. prey (of a predator)
La presa de los lobos normalmente consiste de animales como el venado, el alce y el caribú.Wolves' prey normally consist of animals like deer, moose, and caribou.
b. catch (of a hunter)
Hoy salí a cazar, pero no pude hacerme con una buena presa.I went hunting today, but couldn't land a good catch.
3. (culinary) (South America)
Regionalism used in South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela
a. piece (of chicken)
Tenía tanta hambre que me comí tres presas de pollo.I was so hungry that I ate three pieces of chicken.
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
a. imprisoned
Se ha intensificado la campaña para poner en libertad a la madre presa.The campaign for the release of the imprisoned mother has been stepped up.
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
No sabía que su esposa estuvo presa por fraude.I didn't know his wife had been in prison for fraud.
Toda la oficina se quedó mirando cuando llevaron presa a la jefa.The whole office stared when they took the boss away in handcuffs.
a. gripped by
Presa del miedo, Amalia miró por la ventana para ver si la habían seguido.Gripped by fear, Amalia looked out of the window to see if she had been followed.
