la gotera

Definition & meaning

Gotera is a feminine Spanish noun meaning a leak, especially a place in a roof or ceiling through which water enters and drips.

It can refer to:

1. A dripping leak or the place where water comes through
   • Hay una gotera en el techo. — “There is a leak in the roof.”
2. The dripping water itself
   • La gotera cayó toda la noche. — “The drip fell all night.”

The plural, goteras ?, is commonly used when referring to several leaks or widespread water damage.

Grammar & Word origin

• Gender: feminine
• Singular: la gotera ?
• Plural: las goteras ?

The word is formed from gota ?, meaning “drop,” with the suffix -era, which can indicate a place, object, or source associated with something. Thus, gotera literally refers to something associated with drops of water.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

• filtración ? — “water seepage” or “infiltration.” This emphasizes water passing through a material, while gotera usually emphasizes the visible leak or dripping point.
• goteo ? — “dripping.” This describes the action or sound of drops falling, rather than the damaged place that causes them.
• fuga de agua ? — “water leak.” This is a broader expression that can refer to leaks in pipes, roofs, or other systems.
• filtración de agua ? — “water seepage,” often used in more technical or formal contexts.

Antonyms

There is no exact everyday antonym for gotera. Depending on the context, opposing ideas include:

• impermeabilidad ? — “waterproofness” or “impermeability.”
• estanqueidad ? — “watertightness,” especially in technical contexts.
• techo hermético ? — “watertight roof,” describing a roof without leaks.

Common phrases & collocations

• tener una gotera ? — to have a leak
• arreglar una gotera ? — to fix a leak
• reparar una gotera ? — to repair a leak
• el techo tiene goteras ? — the roof has leaks
• caer una gotera ? — for a leak to drip
• una gotera en el techo ? — a leak in the roof
• una gotera en el techo ? — a leak in the ceiling, depending on the regional use of techo ?