presa
“presa” means “prey” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
prey
Also: victim, quarry
📝 In Action
El águila localizó a su presa en el campo abierto.
B1The eagle located its prey in the open field.
El estafador siempre busca una presa fácil.
B2The con artist always looks for an easy victim (prey).
dam
Also: reservoir
📝 In Action
La construcción de la presa cambió el ecosistema del valle.
B2The construction of the dam changed the valley's ecosystem.
Tuvimos que cruzar la presa para llegar al otro lado del río.
B1We had to cross the dam to get to the other side of the river.
piece
Also: cut, booty
📝 In Action
Pedimos dos presas de pollo y una porción de papas.
B1We ordered two pieces of chicken and a portion of fries.
La presa del cerdo ibérico es un corte muy apreciado en España.
C1The Iberian pork 'presa' (a specific cut) is a very appreciated cut in Spain.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: presa
Question 1 of 2
¿Cuál de estas oraciones usa 'presa' para hablar de ingeniería o geografía?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word *prensus*, which is the past form of the verb *prendere*, meaning 'to seize' or 'to catch'. This explains why all meanings of 'presa' relate to something that is seized (prey, a piece of meat) or something that seizes/holds (a dam holding back water).
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if 'presa' means 'dam' or 'prey'?
The context is key! If the sentence mentions rivers, water, or electricity generation, it means 'dam.' If it mentions animals, hunting, or fear, it means 'prey' or 'victim.' For example, 'la presa en el río' (the dam in the river) versus 'la presa del león' (the lion's prey).
Is 'presa' related to 'prisión' (prison)?
Yes, they share the same Latin root *prendere* (to seize/capture). A 'presa' is something seized, and a 'prisión' is where people who have been seized (arrested) are kept.