gota
“gota” means “drop” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
drop
Also: droplet
📝 In Action
Necesito solo una gota de miel para mi té.
A1I only need one drop of honey for my tea.
Cayó una gota de lluvia sobre mi cabeza.
A2A raindrop fell on my head.
Por favor, dame las gotas para los ojos.
A2Please give me the eye drops.
trace
Also: bit
📝 In Action
No queda ni una gota de café en la jarra.
B1There isn't a single drop (a bit) of coffee left in the pot.
Ella tiene una gota de talento para la música.
B2She has a touch (a trace) of talent for music.
gout
📝 In Action
La gota es una enfermedad que causa dolor en las articulaciones.
B2Gout is a disease that causes pain in the joints.
Los síntomas de la gota pueden ser muy intensos.
C1The symptoms of gout can be very intense.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: gota
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'gota' is used in the idiom 'la gota que colmó el vaso'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word 'gota' comes directly from the Latin word 'gutta', which simply meant 'a drop' or 'a teardrop'. This connection explains both the liquid meaning and the medical term (gout) due to ancient medical theories.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How is 'gota' different from 'pizca'?
'Gota' specifically refers to a small amount of liquid, like water or oil. 'Pizca' usually refers to a small amount of a dry substance, like salt or sugar, that you can pick up with your fingers (a pinch).
Can I use 'gota' to mean 'just a little bit' of anything, even if it's not liquid?
Yes, you can! In figurative speech (like 'una gota de suerte' - a drop of luck), it means 'a trace' or 'a tiny bit,' extending beyond just liquids.