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"Pantano" is a noun which is often translated as "swamp", and "ciénaga" is a noun which is also often translated as "swamp". Learn more about the difference between "pantano" and "ciénaga" below.
el pantano(
pahn
-
tah
-
noh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
1. (wetland)
a. reservoir
Se ha construido un pantano en las afueras de la ciudad para ayudar a reponer los acuíferos.A reservoir has been built on the edge of town to help replenish the aquifers.
3. (figurative) (difficulty)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
a. quagmire
Después de un año de investigaciones fallidas, la verdad se hunde en un pantano político.After a year of botched investigations, the truth is becoming lost in a political quagmire.
la ciénaga(
syeh
-
nah
-
gah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
1. (wetland)
a. swamp
Los lugareños creen que una criatura parecida a un lagarto habita la ciénaga.The locals believe that a lizard-like creature lives in the swamp.
La ciénaga en Florida está infestada de caimanes y cocodrilos.The swamp in Florida is infested with alligators and crocodiles.
b. marsh
Estos peces viven en ciénagas y pequeños estanques.These fish live in marshes and small ponds.
