Inklingo
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huellas

/WEY-yahss/

footprints

A line of deep human footprints impressed into smooth, wet sand on a beach leading toward the horizon.

The most common meaning of huellas is "footprints," the marks left by feet or shoes.

huellas(noun)

fA1

footprints

?

marks left by feet or shoes

,

tracks

?

marks left by animals or vehicles

Also:

fingerprints

?

in forensic or legal context

,

prints

?

general term for marks left

📝 In Action

Las huellas en la arena demuestran que alguien caminó por aquí.

A1

The footprints in the sand show that someone walked here.

El detective encontró huellas dactilares en el vaso.

A2

The detective found fingerprints on the glass.

Las huellas de las ruedas son muy profundas en el barro.

B1

The tire tracks are very deep in the mud.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • rastros (traces/signs)
  • marcas (marks)

Common Collocations

  • dejar huellas – to leave footprints/tracks
  • seguir las huellas – to follow the tracks

💡 Grammar Points

Always Plural for Physical Evidence

Even if you are talking about the mark left by just one foot, Spanish usually prefers the plural form 'huellas' when referring to tracks or prints.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Sounding the 'H'

Mistake: "Hoo-eh-yahss"

Correction: Remember that the 'h' in Spanish is silent. Pronounce it starting with the 'u' sound: WEY-yahss.

⭐ Usage Tips

Dactilares

To specify 'fingerprints,' you must use the adjective 'dactilares' (huellas dactilares). If you just say 'huellas,' people will assume you mean footprints or tracks.

Several brightly colored feathers scattered on the dark, damp, moss-covered ground of a forest, indicating a passing animal.

Another meaning of huellas is "traces," referring to signs of something that existed or happened.

huellas(noun)

fB1

traces

?

signs of something that existed or happened

,

impact

?

lasting effect or legacy

Also:

signs

?

evidence of a past event

,

legacy

?

a lasting cultural or historical effect

📝 In Action

La crisis dejó profundas huellas en la economía del país.

B1

The crisis left deep traces (or marks) on the country's economy.

Sus obras dejaron huellas imborrables en la música moderna.

B2

His works left indelible marks (or a lasting impact) on modern music.

Todavía vemos las huellas de la antigua civilización en las ruinas.

B1

We still see the traces of the ancient civilization in the ruins.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • vestigios (vestiges/remains)
  • secuelas (aftermath/consequences)

Common Collocations

  • huellas históricas – historical traces
  • dejar huellas – to leave a mark (figuratively)

Idioms & Expressions

  • Seguir las huellas de alguien – To follow in someone's footsteps (emulate their path)

💡 Grammar Points

Figurative Use is Common

When talking about feelings, history, or time, 'huellas' often means the emotional or historical marks that are left behind, much like 'traces' or 'scars' in English.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using the Singular

Mistake: "La crisis dejó una huella en la economía. (The crisis left one trace.)"

Correction: Figurative use almost always demands the plural: 'La crisis dejó huellas profundas.' (The crisis left deep traces.)

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: huellas

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'huellas' to mean 'lasting impact' rather than 'physical marks'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

huella(footprint/trace (singular)) - noun
hollar(to tread/to trample) - verb

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'huellas' sound like 'huevos'?

No. Although both words start with 'hue-' and have a silent 'h,' 'huellas' has the 'y' sound (WEY-yahss), whereas 'huevos' (eggs) is pronounced WEY-vohss. The difference is the double 'l' sound.

Can I use 'huella' (singular) instead of 'huellas' (plural)?

Yes, but it’s less common. 'Huella' refers to a single, distinct print. However, when talking about the general 'tracks' of a person, animal, or event, the plural 'huellas' is used almost exclusively.