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pantano

swamp

noun pahn-TAH-noh Rare

Also means

reservoir

Usage Note

Pantano covers two distinct realities: a natural swamp or marsh (pantano natural) and an artificial reservoir or dam (pantano artificial). In everyday Spanish, especially in Spain, pantano very often refers to a reservoir built for water supply, which can confuse learners expecting only the 'swamp' meaning. Context usually clarifies.

Examples

"El pantano está al cincuenta por ciento de su capacidad."

Natural Translation

The reservoir is at fifty percent of its capacity.

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