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brote

BROH-teh/ˈbɾote/

bud

Also: sprout, shoot
NounmB1
A close-up of a tiny green bud sprouting from a brown tree branch.

📝 In Action

Los primeros brotes aparecen en primavera.

A2

The first buds appear in spring.

Añadí brotes de soja a la ensalada.

B1

I added soy sprouts to the salad.

El jardinero cortó los brotes secos del rosal.

B2

The gardener cut the dry shoots off the rose bush.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • yema (bud/yolk)
  • renuevo (new shoot)

Antonyms

  • raíz (root)

Common Collocations

  • brotes verdes – green shoots (often used for economic recovery)
  • brotes de soja – soy sprouts

outbreak

Also: flare-up
NounmB2
A cluster of red mushrooms suddenly appearing and spreading across a forest floor.

📝 In Action

Hubo un brote de gripe en la escuela.

B1

There was a flu outbreak at the school.

Las autoridades controlaron el brote rápidamente.

B2

Authorities controlled the outbreak quickly.

El paciente sufrió un brote de su enfermedad crónica.

C1

The patient suffered a flare-up of his chronic illness.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • epidemia (epidemic)
  • aparición (appearance)

Antonyms

  • extinción (extinction)
  • desaparición (disappearance)

Common Collocations

  • brote epidémico – epidemic outbreak
  • brote psicótico – psychotic episode

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "brote" in Spanish:

bud→flare-up→outbreak→shoot→sprout→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: brote

Question 1 of 3

Which of these is the most likely meaning of 'brote' in a nature documentary?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
brotar(to sprout/to break out) — Verb
rebrote(regrowth/resurgence) — Noun
brotadura(budding) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
azotelotetrotepote
📚 Etymology▼

Derived from the verb 'brotar,' which comes from a Germanic root (Gothic 'brut') meaning 'bud' or 'shoot.' It shares a very distant history with the English word 'browse' and 'sprout.'

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: brouterEnglish: sprout

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'brote' only for plants?

No, while it started with plants, it is now very common to use it for medical outbreaks or sudden episodes of behavior/feelings.

What is the difference between 'brote' and 'rebrote'?

A 'brote' is the first time something appears. A 'rebrote' (regrowth or resurgence) is when it comes back after having disappeared for a while.

Can I use 'brote' for an outbreak of war?

Not usually. For war or fire, Spanish speakers prefer 'estallido' (explosion/outbreak). 'Brote' is better for diseases, plants, or psychological issues.