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raíz

rra-EESraˈiθ

“raíz” means “root” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

root

Also: radish
NounfA2
Thick brown roots extending deep into the dark earth, anchoring a small green plant stem visible above the soil.

📝 In Action

Las raíces del árbol son muy profundas.

A2

The roots of the tree are very deep.

Necesitamos podar el rosal para que eche nuevas raíces.

B1

We need to prune the rose bush so it can put down new roots.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • echar raíces – to put down roots (literally or figuratively)
  • raíz comestible – edible root

root

Also: square root, source
NounfB1
A massive, single foundational root firmly planted in the earth, transitioning directly into a thick, strong tree trunk, symbolizing the origin or source of a concept.

📝 In Action

La raíz del problema fue la falta de comunicación.

B1

The root of the problem was the lack of communication.

Muchas palabras españolas tienen raíces latinas.

B2

Many Spanish words have Latin roots.

Calcula la raíz cuadrada de 81.

B2

Calculate the square root of 81.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • de raíz – radically, completely (e.g., to solve a problem completely)
  • raíz etimológica – etymological root

Idioms & Expressions

  • arrancar de raíz – to solve a problem completely, eliminating it from its source

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "raíz" in Spanish:

radish→square root→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: raíz

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'raíz' to mean the fundamental source of a problem?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
arraigar(to take root, to become established) — Verb
desarraigo(uprooting, displacement) — Noun
radicular(relating to the root) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
paísmaíz
📚 Etymology▼

Comes directly from the Latin word *radix*, which meant 'root' or 'radish'. This shows why the word covers both plant parts and the idea of a fundamental source.

First recorded: Around the 10th century in Old Spanish.

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: raizFrench: racineItalian: radice

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'raíz' masculine or feminine?

'Raíz' is a feminine noun, so you must use feminine articles and adjectives with it (la raíz, una raíz profunda).

How do I say 'square root' using 'raíz'?

You use the specific phrase 'raíz cuadrada'. For example, 'la raíz cuadrada de nueve' (the square root of nine).