Inklingo
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raíz

/rra-EES/

root

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

The primary meaning of raíz is the physical root, the part of a plant that attaches it to the ground.

raíz(noun)

fA2

root

?

part of a plant

Also:

radish

?

less common, refers to the vegetable

📝 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

  • tallo (stem)
  • cimiento (foundation)

Common Collocations

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

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Reminder

Even though 'raíz' ends in 'z', it is a feminine noun, so you must use 'la' (la raíz) or 'una' (una raíz).

⭐ Usage Tips

Planting Yourself

The phrase 'echar raíces' is very common and means to settle down permanently in a place, just like in English.

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.

Raíz can also mean the origin or source (the foundation) of something, such as a problem, word, or culture.

raíz(noun)

fB1

root

?

origin or source (e.g., of a problem, word, or culture)

Also:

square root

?

mathematics (specifically 'raíz cuadrada')

,

source

?

origin

📝 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

  • origen (origin)
  • fundamento (foundation)

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

💡 Grammar Points

Solving Problems 'De Raíz'

Using the phrase 'de raíz' means you are doing something thoroughly or completely, getting rid of the problem's source, not just the symptoms.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing 'Raíz' and 'Principio'

Mistake: "Using 'principio' (beginning) when referring to the deep cause of an issue."

Correction: Use 'raíz' when discussing the underlying cause or fundamental source: 'la raíz del conflicto' (the root of the conflict).

✏️ 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

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).