portal
/poor-TAHL/
main entrance
The word portal can refer to the main entrance of a building.
portal(noun)
main entrance
?building/architecture
,doorway
?general
lobby
?entrance hall (especially in Spain)
,gate
?grand structure
📝 In Action
El portal de la iglesia estaba decorado con flores.
A2The main entrance of the church was decorated with flowers.
Esperamos en el portal hasta que llegó la vecina.
B1We waited in the lobby until the neighbor arrived.
Es un portal antiguo con mucha historia.
B1It is an old doorway with a lot of history.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Noun Rule
Even though many Spanish words ending in -al are adjectives (like 'normal'), 'portal' is a masculine noun, so you always use 'el' (el portal).
⭐ Usage Tips
Regional Use (Spain)
In Spain, 'portal' often refers to the entire entrance hall or lobby of an apartment building, not just the door itself.
Portal also describes a web portal, acting as a gateway to other internet sites.
📝 In Action
Accede al portal del gobierno para hacer tus trámites.
B1Access the government's web portal to do your paperwork.
Nuestro portal de clientes tiene toda la información necesaria.
B2Our client portal has all the necessary information.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Meaning
This meaning extends the idea of a physical entrance to a digital one. It is the main 'door' you use to get to a specific set of services online.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
If you are talking about computers or the internet, 'portal' almost always means a central website or application, not a physical door.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: portal
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'portal' in its digital context?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Es 'portal' una palabra masculina o femenina?
'Portal' es siempre masculino. Aunque termina en -al, siempre decimos 'el portal', no 'la portal'. This is a common pattern for nouns referring to places or objects.
Does 'portal' only refer to the internet?
No. While it is very common on the internet (web portal), its original meaning is a physical doorway, especially a grand or important one, like the entrance to a cathedral or the lobby of an apartment building.