Spanish Conversation · Level 22
90 words
Spanish word
rastro
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈrastɾo/
Meaning
- masculine nountrace
Example
Después del incendio no quedó ningún rastro.
After the fire there was no trace.
More examples
El perro siguió el rastro de olor hasta la cueva.
The dog followed the scent trail to the cave.
Core concept
Small remnant or clue indicating something was once there.
Common phrases
rastro de olor
scent trail
dejar rastro
leave a trace
rastro de migas
crumb trail
Similar words
pista: Specific lead or clue used in an investigation to help reconstruct events.
huella: Physical mark or impression left by a foot, hand, or object.
señal: Observable indication or marker that points to a condition or occurrence.
vestigio: Remaining fragment or residue that indicates something existed before.
Definition in Spanish
Marca o señal que prueba que algo existió o sucedió en un sitio.
Word origin
Derived from Latin rastrum 'rake', with the sense of a scratch or scrape that leaves a remnant, which developed into the abstract meaning 'trace' and connects to rastrear 'to track'.
Usage tips
- Unlike English 'trail', rastro often means a subtle or indirect sign rather than a visible pathway, so translate according to how obvious the sign is.