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"Gemelo" is an adjective which is often translated as "twin", and "pantorrilla" is a noun which is often translated as "calf". Learn more about the difference between "gemelo" and "pantorrilla" below.
gemelo(
heh
-
meh
-
loh
)
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
adjective
a. twin
Mi hermana gemela me viene a visitar mañana.My twin sister is coming to visit tomorrow.
This means that the noun can be masculine or feminine, depending on the gender of the noun it refers to (e.g., el doctor, la doctora).
masculine or feminine noun
a. twin
Los gemelos llegaron de visita de San José.The twins came to visit from San Jose.
b. identical twin
Marcos y Martín son mellizos; no son gemelos.Marcos and Martin are fraternal twins; they aren't identical twins.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
masculine noun
a. calf muscle
Me lastimé el gemelo porque salí a correr sin calentar primero.I injured my calf muscle, because I went out running without warming up first.
a. cuff link
Le regalé unos gemelos a mi padre para su camisa de vestir.I gave my dad some cuff links for his dress shirt.
los gemelos
A plural noun indicates that there is more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
plural noun
a. binoculars
Pásame los gemelos para ver mejor aquel elefante. Hand me the binoculars so I can see that elephant better.
b. opera glasses
Siempre me llevo los gemelos al teatro para poder ver las expresiones en las caras de los actores. I always bring my opera glasses to the theater so I can see the expressions on the actors' faces.
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la pantorrilla(
pahn
-
toh
-
rree
-
yah
)
A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
feminine noun
a. calf
Me lesioné la pantorrilla corriendo.I hurt my calf while running.
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