eje
“eje” means “axis” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
axis
Also: axle
📝 In Action
La Tierra gira sobre su propio eje.
A2The Earth rotates on its own axis.
El mecánico tuvo que cambiar el eje delantero del coche.
B1The mechanic had to change the front axle of the car.
En matemáticas, el eje horizontal se llama eje X.
B1In mathematics, the horizontal axis is called the X-axis.
core
Also: backbone, centerpiece
📝 In Action
La educación es el eje de nuestro programa político.
B2Education is the core of our political program.
El eje del problema es la falta de comunicación.
B1The heart of the problem is the lack of communication.
Su familia es el eje de su vida.
B2Her family is the center of her life.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: eje
Question 1 of 3
If a car cannot drive because a metal bar connecting the wheels broke, what broke?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'axis', which referred to a plank, a pole, or the axle of a wagon.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'eje' have a feminine form?
No. Even if you are talking about a woman being the 'core' of a family, you still use 'el eje'.
Is 'eje' the same as 'centro'?
'Centro' is a general word for middle. 'Eje' implies that things rotate or depend on it, like a pivot point or a backbone.
How do I pronounce the 'j'?
It is a raspy sound made in the back of the throat, similar to the 'ch' in the Scottish word 'Loch'.