nudo
/NOO-doh/
knot
A physical knot tied in a rope.
📝 In Action
Hice un nudo muy fuerte en mis zapatos para que no se suelten.
A2I made a very strong knot in my shoes so they don't come undone.
Tengo muchos nudos en el pelo después de caminar por el viento.
B1I have a lot of knots in my hair after walking in the wind.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Hacer' with Nudo
To say 'to tie a knot,' Spanish speakers almost always use the verb 'hacer' (to make) rather than 'atar' (to tie).
❌ Common Pitfalls
The 'Naked' Confusion
Mistake: "Using 'nudo' to mean 'naked'."
Correction: Use 'desnudo' for 'naked'. 'Nudo' only refers to the knot itself.
⭐ Usage Tips
Hair Care
When talking about tangled hair, use the plural 'nudos' to describe those tricky spots that are hard to brush out.
The feeling of a lump in one's throat due to emotion.
📝 In Action
Tenía un nudo en la garganta durante la despedida.
B1I had a lump in my throat during the farewell.
Siento un nudo en el estómago por los nervios del examen.
B1I feel a knot in my stomach because of exam nerves.
⭐ Usage Tips
Feeling the Emotion
Just like in English, this refers to that physical tightening you feel when you are about to cry or are very anxious.
The climax or central conflict of a story.
nudo(noun)
climax / plot
?the middle part of a story where the conflict happens
hub / junction
?where roads or railways meet
,knot
?unit of speed for ships or planes
📝 In Action
La historia tiene una introducción, un nudo y un desenlace.
B2The story has an introduction, a middle (climax), and a resolution.
Este nudo ferroviario es el más importante del país.
C1This railway hub is the most important one in the country.
💡 Grammar Points
The Story Sandwich
In Spanish literature class, every story is taught as having three parts: Inicio (Start), Nudo (The 'knot' or complication), and Desenlace (The 'unknotting' or ending).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: nudo
Question 1 of 2
If a story is getting very complicated and the characters are facing their biggest problems, what part of the story are you in?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'nudo' and 'lazo'?
A 'nudo' is a tight knot that is often hard to undo. A 'lazo' is usually a bow or a loop, like a ribbon on a gift or tied shoelaces that are meant to be pulled open easily.
Can 'nudo' mean naked?
No. While they sound similar, 'naked' is 'desnudo'. Using 'nudo' for 'naked' is a common mistake for English speakers.