Understanding 'Cologne' On Spanish Applications: A Cultural Translation

Cologne, or 'eau de cologne', is a type of perfume. When translating the word 'cologne' from English to Spanish, it becomes 'colonia'. In Mexico, 'colonia' can also refer to the name of a neighbourhood, as in 'colonia is the name of the neighbourhood'.

Cologne is a type of perfume

Cologne is often worn by men as part of their morning routine, alongside shaving and combing their hair. It is also used to mask other scents, such as cigarette smoke.

Classical colognes differ from modern colognes, with the former typically being a lighter, less concentrated interpretation of a perfume. Modern colognes can contain ingredients such as bergamot oil.

The word 'cologne' can also refer to the German city of Cologne, which is also 'Colonia' in Spanish.

Colonia is a neighbourhood in Mexico

In Mexico City, there are almost 2,000 colonias. Each colonia is assigned a specific postal code. However, in recent urban developments, gated communities are also defined as colonias and share the postal code of adjacent neighbourhoods.

Some well-known colonias in Mexico City include:

• Bosques de las Lomas: An upscale residential neighbourhood and business centre.
• Centro: Covers the historic downtown (centro histórico) of Mexico City.
• Condesa: Known for its art-deco architecture and lush greenery.
• Roma: A mixture of neo-classical and art nouveau buildings, it was designated as a "Barrio Mágico" by Mexico City in 2011.
• Juárez: Home to Zona Rosa, Mexico City's gay district, and a growing Korean community.
• Coyoacán: A must-see colonia for its historical and cultural surprises, including the Frida Kahlo Museum and the Church of San Juan Bautista.
• El Centro: The historic centre of the city, home to museums, street vendors, high-end restaurants, and famous hotels.
• Polanco: Known for its famous Michelin-star restaurants and world-class museums, this colonia feels like the modern counterpart to Roma and Condesa.
• Narvarte: A typical Mexican barrio and the place to go for tacos and cerveza.

Cologne in Spanish

In Spanish, the word "cologne" can be translated in two ways: "colonia" or "agua de colonia". The first is used as a noun, while the second is a more specific term that refers to a type of weak perfume or fragrance.

In the context of a Spanish application, "cologne" likely refers to the fragrance, which is a common term for a scented liquid worn on the skin. Classical colognes differ from modern interpretations, as they are typically lighter and less concentrated than perfumes.

When providing your address on a Spanish application, you may also encounter the term "colonia." In Mexico, "colonia" refers to the neighbourhood or area in which you live. For example, in the address "C. Francisco I. Madero No. 115 Int. 1 Col. Nuevo Casas Grandes Centro 31700 Nuevo Casas Grandes, Chih.", the "Col. Nuevo Casas Grandes Centro" indicates the neighbourhood.

Cologne as a location

Cologne, or 'Koln' in German, is Germany's fourth-largest city and is situated near the country's western border with Belgium and the Netherlands. It is the largest city in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and sits on the River Rhine. The city is known for its famous cathedral, the Kolner Dom, which is a medieval Gothic church and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral is a major tourist attraction and is considered a symbol of German Catholicism.

Cologne has a rich history dating back to Roman times, when it was founded as a Roman colony in 38 BC. It later became an important trading centre in the Middle Ages and joined the Hanseatic League in 1475. The city was heavily damaged during World War II but has since been rebuilt and is now a major cultural and economic hub.

The city is known for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs, and breweries, as well as its famous annual Carnival, which attracts over a million visitors each year. Cologne also has several museums and art galleries, including the Ludwig Museum, which houses a significant collection of modern art.

Cologne is an important economic centre in Germany, with a diverse range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, and media. The city is home to the headquarters of several major companies, including Ford Europe and Deutsche Welle, the German international broadcaster. It is also a major transport hub, with one of the largest rail and road junctions in Europe.

Cologne as a type of alcohol-free fragrance

Cologne is a type of perfume or fragrance with a pleasant smell that is used on the skin. Classical colognes are different from modern colognes, as the former typically features a lighter, less concentrated interpretation of a perfume.

Cologne can also be alcohol-free, known as "colonia sin alcohol" in Spanish.

Cologne is often used to refer to men's fragrances, as in the example "a quick splash of cologne, and he was ready to go out".

Cologne is also known as "eau de cologne" in British English and "agua de colonia" in European Spanish.

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