puerto
/PWEHR-toh/
port
A port (puerto) is a city or town with a harbor where ships load and unload goods.
puerto(noun)
port
?A city or town with a harbor
,harbor
?A sheltered body of water where ships can anchor
haven
?Figurative or literary use
📝 In Action
El crucero atracó en el puerto de Barcelona esta mañana.
A1The cruise ship docked in the port of Barcelona this morning.
Necesitamos un buen puerto para protegernos de la tormenta.
A2We need a good harbor to protect ourselves from the storm.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Noun Rule
Remember that 'puerto' is always a masculine noun, so it takes masculine articles: 'el puerto' (the port) or 'un puerto' (a port).
⭐ Usage Tips
Distinguish from 'Puerta'
Do not confuse 'puerto' (port/harbor) with 'puerta' (door), which is a feminine noun.
A mountain pass (puerto) is a route through a mountain range.
📝 In Action
La carretera sube hasta el puerto de montaña a 2000 metros.
B1The road climbs up to the mountain pass at 2000 meters.
Tuvimos que cerrar el puerto por la nieve.
B2We had to close the mountain pass because of the snow.
💡 Grammar Points
Meaning Context
When 'puerto' is used to mean 'mountain pass,' it is almost always followed by 'de montaña' (mountain) or is clear from the context of travel and elevation.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: puerto
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'puerto' in the sense of a geographical passage, not a maritime location?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'puerto' related to the verb 'portar' (to carry)?
Yes, they share the same deep Latin root *portare* (to carry or bring). A port or harbor is a place where goods are 'carried' and brought in or out, and a mountain pass is a route that 'carries' traffic across a high barrier.
How can I tell if someone means 'port' or 'mountain pass'?
Context is key! If they mention ships, docks, or the sea, it means 'port.' If they mention mountains, snow, cycling, or high altitude, it means 'mountain pass.' Often, they will clarify with 'puerto de montaña.'