zanja
“zanja” means “ditch” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
ditch
Also: trench, gutter
📝 In Action
Tuvieron que cavar una zanja para las tuberías del agua.
B1They had to dig a ditch for the water pipes.
Ten cuidado, no te caigas en la zanja.
A2Be careful, don't fall into the ditch.
El agua de la lluvia corre por la zanja al lado del camino.
B1Rainwater runs through the ditch next to the road.
to settle
Also: to resolve, to clear up
📝 In Action
Él zanja la discusión con un argumento sólido.
B2He settles the argument with a solid point.
Es hora de que ella zanja sus deudas.
B2It is time for her to settle her debts.
¡Zanja ese asunto ahora mismo!
B1Settle that matter right now!
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
🗣️ Practice in a Tongue Twister
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: zanja
Question 1 of 3
If a construction worker is digging a 'zanja', what is he making?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Likely from the Hispano-Arabic word 'zánqa', which referred to a narrow street or alleyway. Over time, it evolved to describe a narrow passage or excavation in the ground.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'zanja' the same as 'hueco'?
Not exactly. A 'hueco' is any general hole or gap, while a 'zanja' is specifically a long, narrow trench or ditch, often man-made.
Can I use 'zanja' to mean a grave?
Technically a grave is a type of excavation, but 'tumba' or 'fosa' are the standard words for a grave. 'Zanja' implies something much longer, like for pipes or irrigation.
Does 'zanja' have a plural form?
Yes, the plural is 'zanjas'.