Inklingo
← Dictionary

puente

/PWEN-tay/

bridge

A sturdy stone arch bridge spans over a calm blue river, connecting two green banks.

A structure built to cross obstacles, like this 'puente' (bridge).

puente(noun)

mA1

bridge

?

structure over water or land

Also:

viaduct

?

long bridge, often railway/road

📝 In Action

El puente Golden Gate es famoso mundialmente.

A1

The Golden Gate Bridge is famous worldwide.

Tuvimos que cruzar el río por un puente de madera.

A2

We had to cross the river using a wooden bridge.

El coche se averió justo en medio del puente.

A1

The car broke down right in the middle of the bridge.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • pasarela (footbridge)

Common Collocations

  • construir un puente – to build a bridge
  • el arco del puente – the arch of the bridge

💡 Grammar Points

Masculine Noun Rule

Even though 'puente' ends in the letter -e, it is always a masculine noun. Always use 'el puente' or 'un puente'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Gender

Mistake: "La puente."

Correction: El puente. Always use the masculine article.

⭐ Usage Tips

Visual Association

Associate 'puente' with the image of a strong, large structure connecting two places, which can help reinforce its masculine gender.

A small, open suitcase filled with colorful clothes sits next to a picnic basket and a pair of sunglasses on a green lawn, suggesting an extended holiday break.

When a holiday extends the weekend, it creates a 'puente' (long weekend).

puente(noun)

mB1

long weekend

?

extended holiday break

Also:

extended holiday

?

official holiday extension

📝 In Action

Como el jueves es festivo, tenemos un puente de cuatro días.

B1

Since Thursday is a public holiday, we have a four-day long weekend.

Vamos a aprovechar el puente para visitar a mis abuelos.

B1

We are going to make the most of the long weekend to visit my grandparents.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • fin de semana largo (long weekend)

Common Collocations

  • aprovechar el puente – to make the most of the long weekend
  • hacer puente – to take the extra day off (to make the break longer)

💡 Grammar Points

The Idea of 'Bridging' Time

This meaning refers to taking the day (or days) that connect a public holiday to the nearest weekend, essentially 'bridging' the gap to create a longer vacation.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Translating Time Literally

Mistake: "Do not translate 'bridge' literally when talking about time off; use 'long weekend' or 'extended holiday'."

Correction:

⭐ Usage Tips

The Verb Form

The phrase 'hacer puente' (to make a bridge) is the common way to describe the act of taking those intermediate days off.

A close-up view of a three-unit dental bridge appliance, featuring two crowns connected by a false tooth.

In dentistry, a 'puente' (dental bridge) replaces missing teeth.

puente(noun)

mC1

dental bridge

?

dentistry

Also:

bridge

?

part of a guitar/violin

,

jumper cable/bypass

?

electrical connection

📝 In Action

El luthier ajustó el puente de la guitarra para mejorar el sonido.

C1

The luthier adjusted the bridge of the guitar to improve the sound.

Necesité un puente porque me faltaban tres dientes.

B2

I needed a dental bridge because I was missing three teeth.

Tuvimos que hacer un puente en la batería del carro para encenderlo.

C1

We had to jump-start the car battery to turn it on.

Word Connections

Common Collocations

  • puente dental – dental bridge
  • hacer un puente (eléctrico) – to jump-start or bypass (an electrical circuit)

💡 Grammar Points

Technical Extensions

In specialized language, 'puente' maintains the core idea of 'connecting' or 'filling a gap,' whether it's teeth, musical strings, or electrical circuits.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: puente

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'puente' to mean an extended holiday break?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

puentecito(small bridge) - noun
puentear(to bypass/to connect) - verb
puenteo(bypass (electrical)) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'puente' masculine or feminine?

'Puente' is always a masculine noun, meaning you use 'el' or 'un' with it: 'El puente' (The bridge).

What is the cultural significance of 'hacer puente'?

It's a common practice in many Spanish-speaking countries to 'hacer puente' (literally, 'to make a bridge') by taking an extra day off work or school when a public holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, thus creating a four-day weekend.