Spanish Word of the Week: Parte

This week, we’re delving into parte, a fascinating word in Spanish that can be feminine or masculine depending on its meaning. Let’s explore its uses and how its gender affects its interpretation.

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Feminine: La Parte

When feminine, parte typically refers to a part, share, or role in something.

1. A part of something (section or area):

   • Había pasado una parte de su vida en el extranjero.
     She had spent part of her life abroad.
   • ¿De qué parte de Mallorca es usted?
     Which part of Mallorca are you from?

2. A share of something:

   • Había recibido su parte del botín.
     She’d received her share of the spoils.
   • Hay que aceptar nuestra parte de responsabilidad.
     We need to accept our share of the responsibility.

3. A role in something:

   • Yo reconozco la parte de mis abuelos en la disputa.
     I recognize my grandparents’ part in the dispute.

4. A party or side in a contract or dispute:

   • Un acuerdo que satisface a ambas partes.
     An agreement that is satisfactory to both parties.

5. Set expressions:

   • Están en todas partes.
     They’re everywhere.
   • Por una parte… por otra (parte)…
     On the one hand… on the other (hand)…

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Masculine: El Parte

When masculine, parte often means a report, communication, or even a ticket in some regions.

1. A report or bulletin:

   • El parte meteorológico dice que va a llover.
     The weather report says it’s going to rain.
   • Según los partes médicos las niñas evolucionan favorablemente.
     According to their medical reports, the girls are making good progress.

2. A ticket (Latin America):

   • Recibí un parte por exceso de velocidad.
     I got a speeding ticket.

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Gender Agreement Reminder

The gender of parte affects how adjectives and articles agree with it:

• En distintas partes del mundo (feminine)
  In various parts of the world
• No es probable que el hospital facilite un nuevo parte (masculine)
  The hospital is unlikely to provide a new report.

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Stay tuned for next week’s exploration of another Spanish noun that changes meaning depending on its gender!