Spanish Conversation · Level 137
44 words
Spanish word
penetrar
Pronunciation
IPA/peneˈtɾaɾ/
Meaning
- verbpenetrate
Example
El olor a humo puede penetrar la ropa.
The smell of smoke can penetrate clothing.
More examples
Esta noche el frío parece penetrar hasta los huesos.
Tonight the cold seems to penetrate to the bones.
Core concept
A force moving through an outer layer into the interior.
Common phrases
penetrar hasta los huesos
penetrate to the bones
penetrar en la sangre
penetrate into the blood
Similar words
entrar: Goes into an enclosed space such as a room, building, or vehicle.
atravesar: Passes completely through something from one side to the other, crossing it end to end.
filtrar: Seeps slowly through tiny openings or pores, entering bit by bit over time.
colarse: Sneaks into a place stealthily to avoid notice, often without permission.
Definition in Spanish
Introducirse o abrirse paso hasta el interior de algo, ya sea de forma física o figurada.
Word origin
From Latin penetrare, from penitus 'inside' plus the verbal suffix -are, originally meaning to make or go into the inner part.
Usage tips
- Used more formally or literally than entrar, and speakers often choose entrar, colarse, or filtrarse in everyday speech for smells, liquids, or people getting in.
Other meanings
- soak intoverb
Opposites
- sellarsealverb
- impermeabilizarwaterproofverb
Related words
- penetraciónpenetrationnoun