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raíces

/rah-EE-ses/

roots

Thick, exposed tree roots emerge from the base of a trunk and spread into the dark earth, showing the underground structure of a plant.

The physical structure of a plant or tree that absorbs nutrients is called raíces (roots).

raíces(noun)

fA2

roots

?

of a plant or tree

Also:

root system

?

botany

📝 In Action

Las raíces del árbol crecieron debajo de la acera.

A2

The roots of the tree grew under the sidewalk.

Es importante regar las raíces para que la flor viva.

A1

It is important to water the roots so the flower lives.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • tronco (trunk)
  • base (base/foundation)

Common Collocations

  • raíces profundas – deep roots
  • cortar las raíces – to cut the roots

💡 Grammar Points

Feminine Plural

'Raíces' is the plural form of the feminine word 'raíz.' Remember to use feminine articles like 'las' or 'unas' with it.

A charming, small wooden house with a red roof stands on a grassy hill, with stylized, thick roots visibly anchoring the house into the ground, symbolizing heritage.

Raíces can also refer to a person's origins, heritage, or background (roots).

raíces(noun)

fB1

roots

?

origins, heritage, background

Also:

origins

?

source or base of a culture/tradition

📝 In Action

Ella está orgullosa de sus raíces mexicanas.

B1

She is proud of her Mexican roots.

El viaje fue una oportunidad para conectar con sus raíces familiares.

B2

The trip was an opportunity to connect with his family roots.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • orígenes (origins)
  • patria (homeland)

Common Collocations

  • raíces culturales – cultural roots
  • perder las raíces – to lose touch with one's roots

Idioms & Expressions

  • echar raíces – to settle down permanently; to make a place one's home

💡 Grammar Points

Figurative Plural

When talking about your cultural background or heritage, Spanish almost always uses the plural form 'raíces,' even if in English you might say 'my root.'

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using the Singular for Heritage

Mistake: "Mi raíz es de España."

Correction: Mis raíces son de España. (Always use the plural 'raíces' for abstract origins.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Connecting to Identity

Use 'raíces' when discussing identity, culture, or deep family history. It carries a strong sense of belonging.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: raíces

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'raíces' in its figurative meaning?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

raíz(root (singular)) - noun
arraigar(to take root, to establish oneself) - verb
desarraigo(uprootedness, displacement) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the plural form 'raíces' used so often?

While the singular 'raíz' is used for a single physical root (like in math), the plural 'raíces' is used for most general concepts, especially for the figurative meaning of heritage or cultural background. It implies a collection of origins.

How do I pronounce the 'c' in 'raíces'?

In most of Latin America, the 'c' sounds like an 's' (rah-EE-ses). In Spain, the 'c' sounds like the 'th' in 'thin' (rah-EE-thes).