pistas
“pistas” means “clues” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
clues, hints
Also: leads, tips
📝 In Action
El detective encontró tres pistas importantes en la escena del crimen.
A2The detective found three important clues at the crime scene.
¿Puedes darnos algunas pistas para adivinar la palabra?
A1Can you give us some hints to guess the word?
tracks, lanes
Also: runways, slopes, courts
📝 In Action
Las pistas de tenis están recién pintadas.
B1The tennis courts are newly painted.
El avión espera la autorización para usar las pistas de aterrizaje.
B2The plane is waiting for clearance to use the runways.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: pistas
Question 1 of 2
Which English word is the BEST translation for 'Las pistas de baile estaban llenas'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Late Latin word *pista*, which originally meant 'footprint' or 'trace.' This beautifully links both modern meanings: a footprint is a physical 'track,' and a trace is an informational 'clue'.
First recorded: Medieval Latin period
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can one word mean both 'clues' and 'runways'?
The core idea of 'pista' is a 'trace' or a 'path.' When it’s physical, it’s a track or runway that guides you. When it’s informational, it’s a clue that guides your thinking toward a solution. It’s a very logical extension of the same root meaning!