Diese Seite in deiner Sprache

English

فارسی

العربية

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 noun 10 Min. Lesezeit

cordillera

Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps cordillera in 30 Sekunden

Erklärung cordillera in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'la cordillera' means 'the mountain range'. It is a feminine noun. You can use it in very simple sentences like 'La cordillera es bonita' (The mountain range is beautiful). Think of it as a big group of mountains. It is a useful word if you are learning about South America, especially the Andes. You don't need to worry about complex geology yet. Just remember that it starts with 'la' and ends with 'a', which is typical for feminine words in Spanish. If you can identify the Andes as a 'cordillera', you are doing great at this level. Focus on the visual: many mountains in a line. Practice saying 'la cordillera' to get used to the double 'L' sound, which is like the 'y' in 'yes'. This word will help you describe scenery in basic travel conversations.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the A2 level, you should be able to use 'cordillera' to describe geographical locations and simple travel plans. You should understand that it is a collective noun. For example, 'Los Andes son una cordillera en Sudamérica'. You can also use it with basic prepositions: 'Vivo cerca de la cordillera' or 'Vamos a la cordillera'. At this stage, you should distinguish it from 'montaña'. A 'montaña' is one, but a 'cordillera' is many. You might encounter this word in weather reports during your studies, like 'Hay nieve en la cordillera'. You should also be comfortable with pluralizing it: 'Hay muchas cordilleras en el mundo'. Remember to keep your adjectives feminine: 'la cordillera alta', 'las cordilleras nevadas'. This level is about building confidence in using the word in common, everyday contexts related to geography and tourism.

At the B1 level, you can use 'cordillera' in more descriptive and narrative contexts. You should be able to discuss the impact of a cordillera on climate or travel. For instance, 'La cordillera de los Andes influye en el clima de Chile'. You should also start using more varied verbs with it, such as 'atravesar' (to cross) or 'divisar' (to see from a distance). You might discuss environmental issues, like 'El deshielo de la cordillera es un problema grave'. At this level, you should understand the difference between 'cordillera' and 'sierra'. A 'sierra' is usually a smaller part of a 'cordillera'. You can also use the word in the context of history or legends, explaining how people lived in or crossed the mountain ranges. Your ability to use the word in compound sentences will show your progressing fluency.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the B2 level, 'cordillera' becomes a tool for more technical and abstract discussions. You can talk about the geological formation of a cordillera using terms like 'placas tectónicas' (tectonic plates). You might say, 'La cordillera se formó por el choque de dos placas'. You should be able to read news articles about infrastructure projects, such as 'Construirán un túnel a través de la cordillera'. Your vocabulary should include related terms like 'vertiente' (slope) or 'precordillera' (foothills). You can use 'cordillera' in formal presentations about geography, ecology, or international relations (since ranges often form borders). You should also be aware of its use in literature and high-level journalism, where it might be used to set a majestic or somber tone. At this level, your usage should be precise and grammatically flawless.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the C1 level, you use 'cordillera' with the nuance of a native speaker. You understand its metaphorical potential and its specific scientific applications. You can discuss the 'Cordillera Darwin' or the 'Cordillera de la Costa' with an understanding of their specific regional identities. You might use the word in complex socio-political discussions, such as the 'integración regional a través de la cordillera'. Your ability to use the word in academic contexts—discussing orogeny, biodiversity hotspots, or indigenous cultures of the cordillera—should be well-developed. You are also sensitive to regional variations in how the word is used; for example, how 'la cordillera' refers specifically to the Andes in Chilean or Argentine Spanish without needing further qualification. You can analyze literary texts where the cordillera serves as a central motif or character.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the C2 level, 'cordillera' is a word you can manipulate for stylistic effect in writing and speech. You can engage in deep scientific discourse about the 'orogénesis de las cordilleras' or discuss the philosophical implications of the cordillera as a barrier versus a bridge. You are familiar with obscure geographical terms related to the cordillera, like 'nudo' (mountain knot) or 'puna'. You can use the word in highly formal legal or diplomatic documents regarding mountain territories. In creative writing, you might use 'cordillera' to evoke a specific sense of 'lo andino' or 'lo telúrico' (the telluric/earthly). You understand the word's history and its connection to the development of the Spanish language in the Americas. Your mastery is such that you can use the word in any context, from a casual joke about 'saltar la cordillera' to a doctoral thesis on alpine ecosystems.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps

cordillera in 30 Sekunden

Cordillera means a mountain range or a continuous system of mountains.
It is a feminine noun (la cordillera) and is often used for large systems like the Andes.
The word comes from 'cuerda' (rope), implying mountains linked together like a string.
It is a key term for geography, travel, and environmental discussions in Spanish.

The Spanish word cordillera is a sophisticated yet essential term used to describe a continuous system or chain of mountains. While a beginner might simply use the word 'montaña' (mountain) or 'montañas' (mountains) to describe high peaks, 'cordillera' identifies the entire geographical structure as a collective unit. It is most famously associated with the Cordillera de los Andes, the massive mountain range that runs along the western coast of South America, which serves as a cultural and geographical backbone for many Spanish-speaking nations. Understanding this word is crucial for anyone interested in geography, travel, or the environmental diversity of the Hispanic world.

Geographical Scale: A cordillera is much larger than a single peak; it encompasses valleys, plateaus, and multiple ridges extending over hundreds or thousands of kilometers.
Etymological Connection: Derived from the Spanish word 'cuerda' (rope), the term suggests a series of mountains linked together like knots or segments on a string.
Usage Context: Commonly used in news reports regarding weather patterns, tectonic activity, and tourism descriptions of hiking or skiing destinations.

La cordillera de los Andes atraviesa siete países sudamericanos, influyendo en sus climas y culturas de manera profunda.

In daily conversation, you might hear this word when people discuss travel plans or natural disasters. For example, 'Hay mucha nieve en la cordillera' (There is a lot of snow in the mountain range) is a common phrase in Chile or Argentina during the winter. It implies a specific region rather than just a generic mountain. The word carries a sense of majesty and vastness that 'montaña' lacks. It is also used in scientific contexts, specifically geology, to refer to the folding of the earth's crust that creates these massive formations.

Desde el avión, se puede apreciar la inmensidad de la cordillera nevada.

Furthermore, the word is used to categorize different types of mountain systems. In Spain, you have the 'Cordillera Cantábrica' and the 'Cordillera Bética'. In North America, the 'Cordillera de las Rocosas' refers to the Rockies. It is a universal term in the Spanish language that bridges the gap between simple observation and technical description. Whether you are reading a poem by Pablo Neruda or a technical report on mineral deposits, 'cordillera' will appear as the definitive term for these grand natural barriers.

El cóndor vuela sobre las altas cumbres de la cordillera.

Muchos ríos importantes nacen en la cordillera debido al deshielo.

Using 'cordillera' correctly requires attention to its gender (feminine) and its role as a collective noun. Because it represents a group of mountains, it is almost always singular when referring to one specific system, such as 'la cordillera de los Andes'. However, you can use the plural 'cordilleras' when discussing multiple systems around the world. It often functions as the subject of a sentence or as the object of prepositions like 'en', 'hacia', 'desde', or 'por'.

As a Subject: La cordillera actúa como una barrera natural contra los vientos del océano.
With Prepositions: Vivimos a los pies de la cordillera, donde el aire es más puro.
Descriptive Adjectives: La cordillera central es conocida por su actividad volcánica constante.

Es peligroso cruzar la cordillera durante una tormenta de nieve.

When describing movement, verbs like 'cruzar' (to cross), 'atravesar' (to traverse), or 'bordear' (to skirt) are frequently paired with 'cordillera'. If you are talking about the visual aspect, verbs like 'divisar' (to make out/see from afar) or 'contemplar' (to gaze upon) are common. In a more metaphorical sense, 'cordillera' can appear in literature to represent an obstacle or a monumental challenge, though this is less common than its physical usage. Always remember the definite article 'la' is necessary when identifying a specific range.

La cordillera se extiende desde el norte hasta el sur del continente.

In academic writing, 'cordillera' is often modified by technical terms. You might see 'cordillera submarina' (underwater mountain range) when discussing oceanography or 'cordillera volcánica' when discussing geology. In these cases, the adjective must agree in gender and number with 'cordillera'. For students, mastering the use of this word in the context of South American geography is the most practical application, as it appears in almost every textbook regarding the region's history and environment.

La expedición científica exploró la cordillera en busca de nuevas especies.

Las nubes se quedan atrapadas en la cordillera, provocando lluvias en la ladera oeste.

If you visit countries like Chile, Colombia, Peru, or Spain, you will hear 'cordillera' used frequently in daily life. In Chile, for instance, the Andes are so omnipresent that people use the 'cordillera' as a primary point of reference for navigation. 'Hacia la cordillera' means toward the mountains (usually east), and 'hacia la costa' means toward the sea (usually west). It is not just a geographic term; it is a spatial orientation tool.

Weather Forecasts: Meteorologists frequently mention 'precipitaciones en la cordillera' (rainfall/snowfall in the mountain range) which affects water supplies for the cities below.
Tourism and Sports: Travel agencies promote 'tours por la cordillera' for trekking, mountain biking, or visiting hot springs.
Education: In schools, children learn about the 'Cordillera de los Andes' or 'Cordillera Cantábrica' as part of their national identity and geography curriculum.

El pronóstico indica nieve intensa en la cordillera para este fin de semana.

In literature and music, the cordillera often takes on a symbolic role. Folk songs in the Andean regions frequently mention the cordillera as a silent witness to history or as a protective mother figure. For example, the famous Chilean song 'Si vas para Chile' mentions the 'cordillera' as a landmark that greets the traveler. In these contexts, the word evokes feelings of nostalgia, pride, and the rugged beauty of the landscape. It is also common in news reports about border disputes or international cooperation, as many mountain ranges serve as natural borders between countries.

La cordillera separa a Chile de Argentina a lo largo de miles de kilómetros.

You will also encounter this word in environmental discussions. The melting of glaciers in the 'cordillera' is a major topic of concern regarding climate change in the Southern Hemisphere. Thus, the word appears in scientific journals, documentaries, and political speeches. Whether you are listening to a park ranger explain a trail or a politician discussing water rights, 'cordillera' is the term that provides the necessary geographical context. It is a word that carries weight, both literally and figuratively.

Los excursionistas se perdieron en la cordillera debido a la densa niebla.

Hay varios observatorios astronómicos situados en la cordillera por la claridad del cielo.

While 'cordillera' is a relatively straightforward noun, English speakers and new learners often make a few specific errors. The most common mistake is confusing 'cordillera' with other geographical terms like 'sierra' or 'montaña'. While they all relate to high ground, their scale and usage differ significantly. Another frequent error involves gender agreement, as many learners assume geographical features might be masculine (like 'el monte').

Confusing with 'Sierra': A 'sierra' is typically a smaller, more jagged sub-section of a larger mountain range. Using 'cordillera' for a small local hill is an overstatement.
Gender Mismatch: Learners often say 'el cordillera' because it sounds grand, but it is strictly 'la cordillera'.
Pluralization Errors: Sometimes learners use 'las cordilleras' when referring to a single range like the Andes, not realizing that 'cordillera' is already a collective term.

Incorrect: El cordillera es muy alto. Correct: La cordillera es muy alta.

Another subtle mistake is using 'cordillera' when 'montaña' is more appropriate. If you are pointing at a single peak, you should say 'Esa montaña es hermosa'. If you are looking at the entire horizon of peaks, you say 'La cordillera es hermosa'. Using the more complex word for a single peak can sound unnatural or overly technical. Furthermore, English speakers sometimes try to translate 'mountain range' literally as 'rango de montañas', which is incorrect in Spanish. 'Cordillera' or 'cadena montañosa' are the proper terms.

Incorrect: Fuimos al cordillera para esquiar. Correct: Fuimos a la cordillera para esquiar.

Lastly, be careful with spelling. The double 'l' in 'cordillera' is pronounced like a 'y' (in most regions) or a 'sh/zh' (in the Rioplatense region). Some learners forget the double 'l' or misplace the 'r'. Remember that 'cordillera' is related to 'cuerda' (rope), which might help you remember the 'cord-' prefix. Mispronouncing it as 'cordil-lera' (with an English 'L' sound) is a common phonetic mistake for beginners.

Incorrect: La cordilera de los Andes. Correct: La cordillera de los Andes.

Incorrect: La cordillera es largo. Correct: La cordillera es larga.

Spanish has a rich vocabulary for geographic features. While 'cordillera' is the most common term for a large mountain system, several other words have overlapping meanings or describe specific types of mountain formations. Knowing the nuances between these terms will make your Spanish sound more precise and natural.

Sierra: From the Latin 'serra' (saw). Refers to a range of mountains with a jagged or serrated profile. Usually smaller than a cordillera.
Cadena Montañosa: Literally 'mountain chain'. It is a direct synonym for cordillera but slightly more descriptive/formal.
Macizo: A compact group of mountains that form a distinct mass, often less linear than a cordillera.
Sistema Montañoso: A more technical/academic term used to describe a complex group of cordilleras and sierras.

La sierra de Madrid es un destino popular para los fines de semana.

When choosing between 'cordillera' and 'sierra', consider the size. The Andes is a 'cordillera'. The 'Sierra Nevada' in Spain or California is a 'sierra'. 'Montaña' is the generic term for any high peak. If you are talking about a very small hill, you would use 'cerro' or 'colina'. If you are referring to a flat-topped mountain, 'meseta' is the word. Understanding these distinctions helps you describe landscapes with the same precision as a native speaker.

El macizo de Montserrat tiene formas rocosas muy peculiares.

In some contexts, 'cordillera' can be replaced by 'serranía' (a mountainous area) or 'picos' (peaks). However, 'cordillera' remains the standard for large-scale geography. In poetic contexts, you might see 'alpes' used metaphorically for any high mountains, though this is rare. By mastering 'cordillera', you gain a word that is both geographically accurate and culturally resonant across the entire Spanish-speaking world.

La cadena montañosa del Himalaya contiene los picos más altos del mundo.

A lo lejos se divisaban las cumbres nevadas de la cordillera.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The word 'cordillera' was actually borrowed from Spanish into English in the early 18th century, specifically to describe the mountain ranges of the Americas.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /kɔː.di.ˈjeə.rə/

US /ˌkɔːr.di.ˈjer.ə/

The stress is on the penultimate syllable: cor-di-LLE-ra.

Reimt sich auf

manguera carrera espera bandera carretera frontera barrera cadera

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing 'll' like an English 'l'.
Putting the stress on the first or last syllable.
Forgetting the second 'r'.
Pronouncing the 'o' like the 'o' in 'hot' (it should be more like 'core').
Making the 'd' too hard/aspirated (it should be soft).

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Easy to recognize because it looks like 'cord' and is a common geographic term.

Schreiben 3/5

Requires remembering the double 'l' and the feminine ending.

Sprechen 3/5

The 'll' and 'r' sounds can be tricky for English natives.

Hören 2/5

Distinctive sound makes it easy to pick out in a sentence.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

montaña alto nieve lugar grande

Als Nächstes lernen

valle meseta volcán glaciar clima

Fortgeschritten

orogénesis tectónica vertiente altiplano precordillera

Wichtige Grammatik

Feminine Noun Agreement

La cordillera es **alta** y **hermosa**.

Collective Nouns

La cordillera (singular) representa muchas montañas (plural).

Definite Article with Geography

Se usa 'la' con nombres de cordilleras: **la** cordillera de los Andes.

Preposition 'en' for Location

Estamos **en** la cordillera.

Preposition 'a' for Direction

Vamos **a** la cordillera.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

Beispiele nach Niveau

La cordillera es muy grande.

The mountain range is very big.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

Veo la cordillera desde mi casa.

I see the mountain range from my house.

Use of the direct object 'la cordillera'.

La cordillera tiene nieve.

The mountain range has snow.

Present tense of 'tener'.

Me gusta la cordillera.

I like the mountain range.

Verb 'gustar' with feminine singular subject.

La cordillera es azul.

The mountain range is blue.

Adjective agreement (feminine).

Hay una cordillera en Chile.

There is a mountain range in Chile.

Use of 'hay' for existence.

La cordillera es alta.

The mountain range is tall.

Basic descriptive adjective.

Caminamos por la cordillera.

We walk through the mountain range.

Preposition 'por' indicating movement through a place.

Los Andes son la cordillera más larga.

The Andes are the longest mountain range.

Superlative construction 'la más larga'.

Mañana vamos a visitar la cordillera.

Tomorrow we are going to visit the mountain range.

Future with 'ir a + infinitive'.

Hay muchos animales en la cordillera.

There are many animals in the mountain range.

Plural noun 'animales' with 'hay'.

La cordillera está lejos de la ciudad.

The mountain range is far from the city.

Use of 'estar' for location.

¿Cómo se llama esa cordillera?

What is that mountain range called?

Interrogative sentence.

La cordillera es muy importante para el agua.

The mountain range is very important for water.

Preposition 'para' indicating purpose/benefit.

En invierno, la cordillera es blanca.

In winter, the mountain range is white.

Time phrase 'en invierno'.

Queremos escalar la cordillera.

We want to climb the mountain range.

Verb 'querer' + infinitive.

Si cruzas la cordillera, verás paisajes increíbles.

If you cross the mountain range, you will see incredible landscapes.

First conditional (Si + present, future).

La cordillera protege al valle del viento fuerte.

The mountain range protects the valley from the strong wind.

Verb 'proteger' with direct and indirect objects.

Siempre he soñado con explorar la cordillera.

I have always dreamed of exploring the mountain range.

Present perfect 'he soñado'.

La cordillera se puede ver claramente hoy.

The mountain range can be seen clearly today.

Passive 'se' construction.

Cuando era niño, vivía cerca de la cordillera.

When I was a child, I lived near the mountain range.

Imperfect tense for past habits.

Es necesario cuidar el ecosistema de la cordillera.

It is necessary to take care of the mountain range's ecosystem.

Impersonal expression 'es necesario'.

La cordillera divide los dos países.

The mountain range divides the two countries.

Transitive verb 'dividir'.

Aunque haga frío, iré a la cordillera.

Even if it's cold, I will go to the mountain range.

Concessive clause with 'aunque' + subjunctive.

La cordillera influye determinantemente en el régimen de lluvias.

The mountain range decisively influences the rainfall pattern.

Use of adverb 'determinantemente'.

Debido a la altitud de la cordillera, el oxígeno es escaso.

Due to the altitude of the mountain range, oxygen is scarce.

Causal phrase 'debido a'.

La cordillera de los Andes es un laboratorio natural para geólogos.

The Andes mountain range is a natural laboratory for geologists.

Metaphorical use of 'laboratorio'.

Se han descubierto nuevas especies en la cordillera central.

New species have been discovered in the central mountain range.

Passive perfect 'se han descubierto'.

La cordillera ofrece una barrera natural infranqueable en invierno.

The mountain range offers an impassable natural barrier in winter.

Advanced adjective 'infranqueable'.

El túnel conectará ambos lados de la cordillera.

The tunnel will connect both sides of the mountain range.

Future tense 'conectará'.

A pesar de los riesgos, los mineros trabajan en la cordillera.

Despite the risks, miners work in the mountain range.

Concessive 'a pesar de'.

La cordillera se extiende a lo largo de toda la costa oeste.

The mountain range extends along the entire west coast.

Reflexive verb 'extenderse'.

La majestuosidad de la cordillera evoca un sentimiento de humildad.

The majesty of the mountain range evokes a feeling of humility.

Abstract noun 'majestuosidad'.

La cordillera actúa como un regulador térmico para la región.

The mountain range acts as a thermal regulator for the region.

Technical term 'regulador térmico'.

El aislamiento de la cordillera ha preservado tradiciones ancestrales.

The isolation of the mountain range has preserved ancestral traditions.

Noun 'aislamiento' (isolation).

Es imperativo mitigar el impacto humano en la cordillera.

It is imperative to mitigate human impact on the mountain range.

Formal expression 'es imperativo'.

La cordillera se yergue imponente sobre el horizonte de la ciudad.

The mountain range rises imposingly over the city's horizon.

Irregular verb 'erguirse' (to rise up).

Las cuencas hidrográficas dependen del deshielo de la cordillera.

The watersheds depend on the melting of the mountain range.

Technical term 'cuencas hidrográficas'.

La cordillera ha sido testigo de innumerables gestas históricas.

The mountain range has witnessed countless historical feats.

Personification 'ha sido testigo'.

La biodiversidad de la cordillera es objeto de estudio internacional.

The mountain range's biodiversity is the subject of international study.

Complex subject 'La biodiversidad de la cordillera'.

La cordillera, esa columna vertebral de piedra, define nuestra identidad.

The mountain range, that stone backbone, defines our identity.

Appositive phrase 'esa columna vertebral de piedra'.

La orogénesis de esta cordillera se remonta a la era secundaria.

The orogenesis of this mountain range dates back to the secondary era.

Scientific term 'orogénesis'.

Su prosa describe la cordillera con una precisión casi geológica.

His prose describes the mountain range with almost geological precision.

Metaphorical use of 'precisión geológica'.

El silencio sepulcral de la cordillera solo es roto por el viento.

The sepulchral silence of the mountain range is only broken by the wind.

Literary adjective 'sepulcral'.

La cordillera se desdibuja entre la bruma matinal.

The mountain range becomes blurred in the morning mist.

Reflexive verb 'desdibujarse' (to become blurred).

La explotación minera en la cordillera suscita intensos debates éticos.

Mining exploitation in the mountain range sparks intense ethical debates.

Complex sentence with ethical/political vocabulary.

La cordillera es un palimpsesto de culturas y eras geológicas.

The mountain range is a palimpsest of cultures and geological eras.

High-level metaphor 'palimpsesto'.

No hay nada más sobrecogedor que el amanecer en la cordillera.

There is nothing more breathtaking than dawn in the mountain range.

Advanced adjective 'sobrecogedor'.

Synonyme

sierra cadena montañosa macizo sistema montañoso serranía montes cumbres cordal

Gegenteile

llanura planicie valle depresión

Häufige Kollokationen

cordillera nevada

cruzar la cordillera

cordillera central

pie de la cordillera

vistas a la cordillera

cordillera submarina

atravesar la cordillera

cordillera volcánica

refugio en la cordillera

clima de cordillera

Häufige Phrasen

La Cordillera de los Andes

— The most famous mountain range in the Spanish-speaking world.

La Cordillera de los Andes es la columna vertebral de Sudamérica.

Hacia la cordillera

— Directional phrase meaning 'toward the mountains'.

Para llegar a la mina, debes conducir hacia la cordillera.

En plena cordillera

— Right in the middle of the mountain range.

Se quedaron atrapados en plena cordillera por la tormenta.

A los pies de la cordillera

— At the base or foothills of the mountain range.

Santiago de Chile se encuentra a los pies de la cordillera.

Cruzar la gran cordillera

— To cross the great mountain range, often used in historical contexts.

San Martín logró cruzar la gran cordillera con su ejército.

La cordillera nevada

— The snow-covered mountain range.

La cordillera nevada es un espectáculo maravilloso.

Perderse en la cordillera

— To get lost in the mountain range.

Es fácil perderse en la cordillera si no conoces el camino.

La cordillera de la costa

— The coastal mountain range, specific to certain geographies.

En Chile existe una cordillera de la costa paralela a los Andes.

Vivir en la cordillera

— To live within the mountain range area.

Vivir en la cordillera requiere adaptarse a la altura.

Explorar la cordillera

— To explore the mountain range.

Muchos aventureros vienen a explorar la cordillera cada año.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

cordillera vs sierra

A sierra is smaller and jagged; a cordillera is a larger system.

cordillera vs montaña

A montaña is a single peak; a cordillera is the whole range.

cordillera vs monte

Monte usually refers to a single hill or mountain, often with vegetation.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Saltar la cordillera"

— Specifically used in Chile and Argentina to mean traveling from one country to the other.

Mañana voy a saltar la cordillera para visitar a mis primos en Mendoza.

informal/regional

"Más firme que la cordillera"

— To be very stable, firm, or reliable, like the mountains.

Su decisión es más firme que la cordillera.

literary/poetic

"Como la cordillera"

— Immovable, grand, or omnipresent.

Su paciencia es como la cordillera, infinita.

poetic

"Detrás de la cordillera"

— Refers to what lies on the other side of the mountains (often the neighbor country).

Las noticias llegaron desde detrás de la cordillera.

neutral

"La cordillera de problemas"

— A metaphor for a long series or chain of problems.

Se enfrentaba a una cordillera de problemas legales.

informal

"Mirar la cordillera"

— To look for guidance or to contemplate something grand (specific to mountain regions).

Cuando estoy triste, me gusta mirar la cordillera.

neutral

"Abrazar la cordillera"

— To be surrounded or protected by the mountains.

La ciudad parece abrazar la cordillera.

poetic

"Caminar la cordillera"

— To know the mountains very well through experience.

Él ha caminado la cordillera toda su vida.

neutral

"Bajo la sombra de la cordillera"

— To live under the influence or presence of the mountains.

Crecimos bajo la sombra de la cordillera.

literary

"La cordillera nos une"

— A phrase used to express shared identity among Andean countries.

A pesar de las diferencias, la cordillera nos une.

formal/political

Leicht verwechselbar

cordillera vs sierra

Both mean groups of mountains.

A 'cordillera' is a massive, continent-scale system. A 'sierra' is a smaller, local range with a 'saw-like' (serrated) appearance. You can have several 'sierras' inside one 'cordillera'.

La Sierra de Guadarrama es parte del Sistema Central, no es una cordillera entera.

cordillera vs macizo

Both refer to mountain groups.

A 'macizo' is a compact, block-like group of mountains. A 'cordillera' is a long, linear chain of mountains.

El Macizo de las Guayanas es una formación antigua y compacta.

cordillera vs cadena

Both imply connected mountains.

'Cadena montañosa' is a literal synonym for 'cordillera', but 'cordillera' is the more common single word in Spanish.

Usamos 'cadena montañosa' en textos descriptivos largos.

cordillera vs cerro

Both are high ground.

A 'cerro' is a hill or a small mountain. A 'cordillera' is a giant system of high mountains.

Subimos al cerro para ver la ciudad, pero la cordillera está mucho más lejos.

cordillera vs altiplano

Found in the same regions.

An 'altiplano' is a high plateau *within* a mountain range. The 'cordillera' is the peaks themselves.

El altiplano boliviano se encuentra entre dos ramas de la cordillera.

Satzmuster

La cordillera es [adjective].

La cordillera es blanca.

Hay [noun] en la cordillera.

Hay mucha nieve en la cordillera.

Quiero [infinitive] la cordillera.

Quiero cruzar la cordillera.

Vivo cerca de la cordillera de [Name].

Vivo cerca de la cordillera de los Andes.

La cordillera actúa como [noun].

La cordillera actúa como una frontera natural.

Debido a [noun], la cordillera es [adjective].

Debido a la altura, la cordillera es peligrosa.

La cordillera se yergue [adverb] sobre [noun].

La cordillera se yergue majestuosamente sobre el valle.

La cordillera, [appositive phrase], [verb].

La cordillera, testigo mudo de la historia, observa el paso del tiempo.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

cordillerano (a person from the cordillera area)

precordillera (the foothills)

Adjektive

cordillerano/a (relating to the cordillera)

Verwandt

montaña

sierra

pico

cumbre

cuerda

Registriere dich kostenlos, um alle Beispiele zu sehen

So verwendest du es

frequency

Very high in South America and Spain; medium in other Spanish-speaking regions.

Häufige Fehler

El cordillera → La cordillera
Learners often forget that cordillera is a feminine noun despite its grand scale.
La cordilera → La cordillera
Forgetting the double 'l' is a common spelling error.
Un rango de montañas → Una cordillera
Translating 'mountain range' literally from English is incorrect. Use 'cordillera'.
La cordillera es alto → La cordillera es alta
Adjectives must agree with the feminine gender of 'cordillera'.
Las cordilleras de los Andes → La cordillera de los Andes
The Andes is one system, so use the singular 'cordillera' unless referring to different ranges.

Tipps

The Rope Trick

Remember 'cord' (rope) = cordillera. Mountains tied together in a chain.

Always Feminine

Even if the individual mountains are 'montes' (masculine), the 'cordillera' is always feminine. Use 'la'.

Scale Matters

Use 'cordillera' for the whole range, 'sierra' for a part of it, and 'montaña' for one peak.

Soft 'D'

The 'd' in 'cordillera' should be soft, with your tongue against your teeth, not hard like the English 'd'.

Directional Use

In Chile, 'la cordillera' often just means 'East'. Use it to help find your way!

Adjective Agreement

Always match your adjectives: 'cordillera alt**a**', 'cordilleras nevad**as**'.

Listen for 'll'

Speakers might say it fast. Listen for the 'y-e-ra' sound at the end of the word.

Andes Context

If someone says 'la cordillera' without a name, they usually mean the Andes if they are in South America.

Double 'L'

Don't forget the double 'l'. It's what gives the word its unique 'y' sound.

Submarine Ranges

You can even use it for underwater mountains: 'cordilleras submarinas'.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of a 'CORD' (like a rope) connecting all the peaks together. A 'CORD-illera' is a 'cord' of mountains.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a long, knotted rope laid out on a table. Each knot is a mountain peak, and the whole rope is the cordillera.

Word Web

Andes Nieve Montañas Escalar Geografía Mapa Frontera Altura

Herausforderung

Try to name three famous 'cordilleras' in the world using Spanish sentences. For example: 'La cordillera del Himalaya es muy alta.'

Wortherkunft

The word 'cordillera' comes from the Spanish word 'cuerda', which itself originates from the Latin 'chorda' (rope/string). It was adapted to describe a series of mountains that appear linked together like a rope.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: A little rope or a string of things.

Romance (Spanish)

Kultureller Kontext

Be respectful when discussing indigenous cultures of the cordillera, as these mountains are often sacred to groups like the Quechua and Aymara.

While English uses 'mountain range', 'cordillera' is used in English specifically for the systems of Western North and South America.

The movie 'La Cordillera' (The Summit), a political thriller set in the Andes. The poetry of Pablo Neruda, which frequently personifies the Andes. The historical crossing of the Andes by José de San Martín.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Geography Class

¿Dónde está la cordillera?
Los Andes son una cordillera.
La cordillera es muy larga.
Estudiamos la cordillera.

Weather Report

Nieve en la cordillera.
Frío en la cordillera.
Tormenta en la cordillera.
El clima de la cordillera.

Travel Planning

Quiero ir a la cordillera.
Un tour por la cordillera.
Cerca de la cordillera.
Vistas a la cordillera.

History

Cruzaron la cordillera.
La cordillera era una barrera.
Batallas en la cordillera.
Rutas por la cordillera.

Environmentalism

Proteger la cordillera.
El deshielo de la cordillera.
Agua de la cordillera.
Ecosistemas de la cordillera.

Gesprächseinstiege

"¿Has visitado alguna vez la cordillera de los Andes?"

"¿Prefieres pasar las vacaciones en la playa o en la cordillera?"

"¿Cómo crees que la cordillera afecta el clima de este país?"

"¿Cuál es la cordillera más famosa de tu país de origen?"

"¿Te gustaría vivir en una casa con vista a la cordillera?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Describe un día perfecto explorando una cordillera nevada.

¿Qué importancia tiene la cordillera para el medio ambiente en tu opinión?

Escribe sobre un viaje imaginario a través de la cordillera de los Andes.

Compara la vida en la costa con la vida en la cordillera.

Imagina que eres un cóndor volando sobre la cordillera. ¿Qué ves?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Yes, 'cordillera' is always a feminine noun. You must always use 'la' or 'una' and ensure adjectives end in 'a' or 'as'. For example: 'la cordillera nevada'.

A 'cordillera' is a very large system of mountain ranges (like the Andes). A 'sierra' is typically a smaller, more specific section of a range that has a jagged, saw-like appearance. Think of a cordillera as a whole country and a sierra as a province.

Yes, definitely. You would say 'la cordillera del Himalaya'. It is used for any major mountain range in the world.

In countries like Chile, Colombia, and Peru, yes, it is very common. In places without big mountain ranges, people might use 'montaña' more often.

Yes, 'las cordilleras'. You use it when talking about multiple mountain systems, such as 'las cordilleras del mundo'.

In most Spanish-speaking regions, it sounds like the 'y' in 'yes'. In Argentina and Uruguay, it sounds like 'sh' or 'zh'.

Yes! It comes from the word for rope, because the mountains look like they are tied together in a long line.

It refers to the lower hills or mountains that lead up to the main high peaks of a cordillera. In English, we call these 'foothills'.

Yes, it can represent a long series of obstacles or something grand and immovable, though this is mostly in literature.

Yes, 'cordillera' is an English word borrowed from Spanish, specifically used in geography to talk about the mountain systems of western North and South America.

Registriere dich kostenlos für Tipps & Notizen