Housing Vocabulary in Spanish
Learn Spanish housing-related terms and expand your vocabulary. Ideal for beginners who want to learn Spanish in a practical way.
IRPF (Impuesto sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas)
IRPF (Income Tax for Physical Persons)
IRPF is an acronym in Spanish for 'Impuesto sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas', which translates to 'Income Tax for Physical Persons' in English. In Spain, this is a personal income tax applicable to all physical persons residing in the country who have financial income (such as salaries, pensions, and savings) or real estate income. This tax is a direct, personal, subjective, analytic, and progressive tax collected annually.
Example sentences with IRPF (Impuesto sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas) →irse (a vivir) a
go (to live) to
The Spanish phrase 'irse (a vivir) a' can be translated into English as 'go (to live) to'. In a sentence, it is commonly used to indicate a change in one's place of residence. The verb 'irse' implies departure, the addendum '(a vivir)' equates to 'to live', and 'a' means 'to'. Therefore, the phrase is used when someone is leaving their current location to live somewhere else. For instance, one might say in Spanish 'Me voy a vivir a España', which translates to 'I am going to live in Spain' in English.
IVA (Impuesto sobre el Valor Añadido)
VAT (Value Added Tax)
IVA, short for 'Impuesto sobre el Valor Añadido', is a Spanish term which translates to 'Value Added Tax' in English. This tax is consumption tax added to the price of goods and services. It is called a 'value added' tax because it is imposed on the value that has been added at each stage of production or distribution of goods and services. Therefore, the term 'IVA' is commonly used in Spanish-speaking countries in matters related to economy and finance.
Example sentences with IVA (Impuesto sobre el Valor Añadido) →jardín
garden
The Spanish word 'jardín' translates to 'garden' in English. It's a noun used to describe an area of ground, typically in a residential property, where flowers and plants are grown. A 'jardín' can also refer to a public park or a green space in a city. It's commonly used in various contexts, such as in 'jardín botánico' meaning 'botanic garden', or 'jardín de niños' meaning 'kindergarten'.
ladrillo
brick
The Spanish word 'ladrillo' translates to 'brick' in English. A 'brick' is a type of building material and it is often used in construction of buildings primarily due to its durability. A 'brick' is generally rectangular in shape and it can be made from various types of materials such as clay, concrete, and lime. The word 'ladrillo' in Spanish refers to the same concept.
levantar un edificio
to erect a building
The phrase 'levantar un edificio' in Spanish translates to 'erect a building' in English. It is often used in the context of construction, implying the process of building or constructing a structure from the ground up. An example of this phrase in a sentence could be: 'Vamos a levantar un edificio en esa parcela', which translates to 'We are going to erect a building on that plot'.
levantar una casa
to erect a house
The Spanish phrase 'levantar una casa' translates to 'to erect a house' in English. This phrase typically refers to the construction or building process of a house from the ground up. It can be used in a broad sense to suggest the creation or establishment of a home, which might involve several stages such as planning, building structures, and installing utilities.
levantar una vivienda
to erect housing
The Spanish phrase 'levantar una vivienda' translates to 'to erect housing' in English. In the context of construction or building, it refers to the process of building or setting up a place of residence, such as a house or apartment. This could involve various steps such as laying the foundation, erecting the structure, installing roofing, and more. The phrase conveys not only the physical act of constructing the building but also the planning and coordination that goes into the process.
libre de impuestos
tax-free
The phrase 'libre de impuestos' in Spanish translates to 'tax-free' in English. When something is 'libre de impuestos', it means that it is not subject to or exempt from taxes that would usually need to be paid. It is often used in reference to duty-free products or financial transactions for which related taxes have been absorbed or waived. This phrase can be related to both goods from a store, or a type of income or inheritance that is not taxed by the government.
Example sentences with libre de impuestos →llegar la factura del agua
get the water bill
The Spanish phrase 'llegar la factura del agua' translates to 'get the water bill' in English. This phrase is commonly used when a person receives their water utility bill. It is composed of 'llegar' (to get), 'la factura' (the bill) and 'del agua' (of water). So literarily it means 'to get the bill of water', but in proper English we'd say 'get the water bill'.
luchar contra el delito fiscal
against the prosecution
The Spanish phrase 'luchar contra el delito fiscal' translates to 'fight against tax crime' in English, rather than 'against the prosecution'. It refers to the act of combating, resisting or opposing illegitimate actions in regards to taxation. This phrase can be used in legal, political, and social contexts where tax evasion or other forms of tax crimes are being discussed.
Example sentences with luchar contra el delito fiscal →lujoso
luxury
The Spanish word 'lujoso' translates to 'luxury' in English. It is often used to describe something that is extravagant, lavish or superior in quality. It is typically associated with wealth and high standards or quality. It can be used to describe a wide range of items including cars, houses, clothing, hotels, etc. For example, a five-star restaurant with world-class cuisine and opulent decor would be described as 'lujoso'.
mal comunicado
misrepresented
The Spanish term 'mal comunicado' can be translated into English as 'misrepresented'. It is used to denote an incorrect, misleading, or distorted representation of someone or something. It could refer to the wrong portrayal of a person's character, the incorrect depiction of a situation, or the unfaithful representation of a concept or idea. In essence, 'mal comunicado' carries a negative connotation implying that the information conveyed does not accurately reflect the subject it is supposed to represent.
mal estado
bad.
The Spanish phrase 'mal estado' translates to 'bad state' or 'poor condition' in English. It might refer to a physical object that is damaged or not working properly, a person's bad health, or a situation that is not favorable. Although 'mal estado' can be translated as 'bad' in some contexts, it's more specific than 'bad' and often implies 'unusable' or 'unhealthy'.
mal orientado
poorly
The Spanish term 'mal orientado' is a compound adjective, comprised of the words 'mal,' which translates to 'bad' or 'poorly', and 'orientado', which translates to 'oriented' or 'guided'. So, 'mal orientado' can be translated into English as 'poorly oriented' or 'badly guided'. In a broader context, it is used to describe something or someone who is misguided or not set in the right direction.
mala distribución
poor distribution
The Spanish term 'mala distribución' translates to 'poor distribution' in English. It's often used to describe an ineffective dispersion or spread of resources in economics, or to critique the arrangement or spread of elements in design and visual arts. Its connotations generally imply imbalance, inequality or inefficiency.
mansión
mansion
The Spanish word 'mansión' translates to 'mansion' in English. A mansion is a large, impressive house. It's often used to describe very large houses that often have many rooms for specific activities. These structures are typically found in wealthier neighborhoods, and are generally associated with notable affluence. They are a symbol of high societal standing and wealth. Whether they are known for their history, their architectural significance, or their sheer size, mansions are buildings that draw attention and admiration.
manta
blanket
The Spanish word 'manta' translates to 'blanket' in English. This word is a feminine noun in Spanish and is commonly used in various contexts. For example, during colder months, it is common to hear the phrase 'necesito una manta' which means 'I need a blanket'. It can also be used metaphorically, such as 'manta de estrellas' which means 'blanket of stars', suggesting a sky filled with stars.
Example sentences with manta →material de construcción
construction material
The Spanish phrase 'material de construcción' translates to 'construction material' in English. This phrase is used to describe the raw materials or substances such as wood, concrete, metal, etc., used in the construction or manufacturing of buildings, structures, infrastructure, and other physical entities. It is commonly used in industries related to engineering, architecture, construction, and manufacturing.
materiales de primera calidad
top quality materials
The Spanish term 'materiales de primera calidad' is translated as 'top quality materials' in English. This phrase is often utilized in circumstances where the quality of the materials used, like in construction or manufacturing, is a focal point or major consideration. It is an assertion that the materials utilized in the process are not only of high standard, but are also the best available.
media pensión
half board
The Spanish term 'media pensión' translates to 'half board' in English. In travel and tourism context, half board means that your accommodation comes with two meals usually breakfast and either lunch or dinner. This is a common option in hotels and other forms of accommodation, particularly in Europe. For those who want some meals included but also want to explore the local cuisine outside of their guesthouse, this is an ideal option.
Example sentences with media pensión →Ministerio de Hacienda
Ministry of Finance
The 'Ministerio de Hacienda' in Spanish refers to the 'Ministry of Finance' in English. This is a government department that is responsible for managing a country's money. The Ministry of Finance typically manages all of a country's revenues, expenditures, and borrowing. It is in charge of budget creation, tax collection, funding economic priorities, monitoring expenditures, and managing public funds. The ministry plays a key role in improving the economic and financial prosperity of a country.
Example sentences with Ministerio de Hacienda →montar la tienda de campaña
put up the tent
The Spanish phrase 'montar la tienda de campaña' translates to 'put up the tent' in English. It's a phrase commonly used in a camping context. 'Montar' is a verb that means 'to put up' or 'to set up', 'la tienda' translates to 'the store' but in this context, it refers to 'the tent', and finally, 'de campaña' means 'of campaign' but in this context, it's translated as 'camping'. Therefore, when you combine these words, they collectively mean 'put up the camping tent'.
Example sentences with montar la tienda de campaña →morada
abode
The Spanish word 'morada' translates to 'abode' in English. It is commonly used to refer to a place where a person lives or stays - their residence or home. It is a feminine noun in Spanish, so one must use 'la' when referring to 'la morada'. Apart from this primary meaning, it can also signify the color purple or a deeper shade of violet in certain contexts.
motel
motel
The Spanish word 'motel' is directly translated into English as 'motel'. In both languages, it refers to a type of hotel that is designed for motorists, often having rooms arranged in low blocks with parking directly outside. Motels are typically roadside accommodations for people who are traveling long distances by car.
Example sentences with motel →nevera portátil
Portable fridge
The Spanish term 'nevera portátil' translates to 'portable fridge' in English. A portable fridge is a compact, mobile appliance that can be easily carried around. It's used to keep food, drinks and medication cool over a prolonged period of time, especially when a regular fridge isn't available. It's primarily useful for activities such as camping, picnics, road trips and other outdoor events. The power source for a portable fridge can be electricity or a vehicle's electrical system.
Example sentences with nevera portátil →orientado al norte
North facing
The Spanish phrase 'orientado al norte' translates to 'north facing' in English. This phrase can be used in a wide range of contexts. In a sentence, it usually refers to the orientation or positioning of an object, place, or direction. This could be used for directions, i.e., a place or object that is directed towards the north, or to describe the orientation of a structure, like a building or room that faces the north.
orientado al sur
South facing
The Spanish phrase 'orientado al sur' translates to 'south facing' in English. This term is commonly used in real estate, geography, or when providing directions. For example, if a house, garden or any other structure is 'orientado al sur', it means the structure is positioned or designed in such a way that its front or main surface faces towards the southern direction.
pagar (el recibo de) el agua
pay (the receipt of) water
The Spanish phrase 'pagar (el recibo de) el agua' translates to 'pay (the receipt of) water' in English. It refers to the action of making a payment for the water service. The phrase can be used in situations where one needs to settle their utility bill, specifically for water. The term itself can be broken down into two main components. 'Pagar' is a verb that means 'to pay'. 'El recibo de el agua' is a noun phrase which translates to 'the receipt of the water'. Combined, they form a sentence that symbolizes the act of settling a water utility bill.
pagar (el recibo de) el gas
pay (the receipt of) the gas
The Spanish phrase 'pagar (el recibo de) el gas' translates to 'pay (the receipt of) the gas' in English. It is often used in reference to settling a gas bill. The verb 'pagar' means 'to pay', and 'el recibo de el gas' refers to 'the gas receipt' or 'the gas bill'. So, if you hear this phrase commonly in a Spanish-speaking country, it usually means someone is discussing about paying their utility bills, specifically their gas bill.