punta
/POON-tah/
tip
The punta (tip) of the pencil is ready for writing.
punta(noun)
tip
?the end of a pencil, finger, or object
,point
?the sharp end of a knife or needle
end
?the very extremity of something long
📝 In Action
La punta del lápiz está rota.
A1The tip of the pencil is broken.
Me pinché el dedo con la punta de la aguja.
A2I pricked my finger with the point of the needle.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Reminder
Remember that 'punta' is always feminine, so you must use 'la punta' or 'una punta'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using the Verb Form
To say 'sharpen a pencil,' use the verb phrase 'sacar punta al lápiz' (literally: to take out the tip).
The last block is at the punta (end) of the row.
punta(noun)
end
?the final part of a line or row
,cape
?geography: a piece of land sticking out into the sea
headland
?geographical feature
,edge
?the limit of a surface
📝 In Action
La Punta Cana es un destino turístico muy famoso.
B1Punta Cana is a very famous tourist destination (referring to the cape/headland).
Nos encontramos en la punta de la calle.
B1We met at the end of the street.
💡 Grammar Points
Geographical Use
When referring to a geographical feature like a cape, 'punta' is often part of a proper noun (e.g., Punta del Este).
The highest point of the mountain is its punta (peak).
punta(noun)
peak
?the highest point of activity or intensity
,rush
?as in 'rush hour'
height
?the maximum level
📝 In Action
El tráfico es terrible en hora punta.
B2Traffic is terrible during rush hour.
Los precios están en punta durante el verano.
C1Prices are at their peak during the summer.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Rush Hour' Phrase
When talking about rush hour, Spanish uses the phrase 'hora punta' (literally 'point hour'), which is the most common use of this meaning.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: punta
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'punta' to describe a geographical location?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'punta' and 'punto'?
'Punta' (feminine) refers to a sharp, physical tip, or the very end of a line/area. 'Punto' (masculine) refers to an abstract point, a dot, a score, or a specific moment in time. Think of 'punta' as the 'end' and 'punto' as the 'spot'.