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.
subir el precio del metro cuadrado
increase the price per square meter
The Spanish phrase 'subir el precio del metro cuadrado' translates to 'increase the price per square meter' in English. This phrase is typically used in the context of property or land valuation. It can refer to an increase in the cost associated with each square meter of a given piece of property or land. The phrase begins with the verb 'subir', which means to 'raise' or 'increase', followed by 'el precio', meaning 'the price', 'del metro cuadrado', referring to 'per square meter'. Together, the phrase encapsulates the concept of increasing pricing valuation per each unit of square meter of a given space.
subir el precio del suelo
increase the price of land
The phrase 'subir el precio del suelo' translates to 'increase the price of land' in English. This is a phrase that you might hear in a real estate or business context. It specifically refers to the act of raising the financial value of a parcel of land. This might occur due to a variety of factors, such as improvements to the land, increased demand, or changes in the economy.
tapar una gotera
to plug a leak
The Spanish phrase 'tapar una gotera' is a verb phrase used to describe the action of fixing a leak. This may involve preventing liquid from flowing out from where it should be contained, such as water from a pipe, ceiling, or roof. In English, it is commonly translated as 'to plug a leak'. This might be portrayed physically, for example, by blocking a hole on a vessel or fixing a broken plumbing system to stop water leakage. Moreover, it can be used metaphorically, as in rectifying a problem or averting a potential issue.
tapar una grieta
to cover a crack
The Spanish phrase 'tapar una grieta' translates into English as 'to cover a crack'. This phrase refers to filling or covering a fracture or break, commonly used in the context of a physical structure like a wall or a road. The verb 'tapar' means 'to cover' and 'una grieta' means 'a crack'. Thus, 'tapar una grieta' may also be used figuratively, implying the act of hiding or covering up a flaw or weakness.
techo
ceiling
The word 'techo' in Spanish translates to 'ceiling' in English. This can refer to the upper interior surface of a room or to the top covering of an object or a structure. This is a common word in home construction and interior design.
tener aire acondicionado
Air conditioning
The Spanish phrase 'tener aire acondicionado' translates to 'have air conditioning' in English. In Spanish, the verb 'tener' means 'to have', 'aire' means 'air', and 'acondicionado' means 'conditioned'. Therefore, when combined, they represent the concept of possessing or having an air conditioning system.
tener ascensor
Have an elevator
The Spanish phrase 'tener ascensor' translates to 'have an elevator' in English. This is commonly used in the contexts of buildings or establishments, indicating whether they have the convenience of an elevator present or not. It can be used in both questions and statements. For instance, 'Tiene ascensor' asks 'Does it have an elevator?', while 'No tiene ascensor' states 'It does not have an elevator'.
tener buenos acabados
have good finishes
The Spanish phrase 'tener buenos acabados' translates to 'have good finishes' in English. It is often used when talking about the quality or finish of a product or any physical item. It suggests that the product has been finished well, with fine workmanship or use of high quality materials. However, it's important to note that context may slightly affect the sense in which it's used, like many phrases in conversational Spanish.
tener calefacción (central
heating (central)
The Spanish phrase 'tener calefacción (central)' directly translates to 'have heating (central)' in English. It is often used in the context of discussing amenities in a home or building. For instance, it might be used in a sentence such as 'este edificio tiene calefacción central', which means 'this building has central heating'. It is important to note that 'tener' is a common Spanish verb that means 'to have', and 'calefacción (central)' refers to a system that provides warmth to the entire interior of a building (or portion of a building) from one point to multiple rooms.
tener derecho a devolución
the right to return
The Spanish phrase 'tener derecho a devolución' translates to 'the right to return' in English. This phrase is usually used in a business or retail context to refer to the consumer's right to return goods or merchandise for a refund within a certain timeframe after the purchase. It's important in understanding policies and knowing consumer rights in Spanish-speaking countries.
Example sentences with tener derecho a devolución →tener malos acabados
have bad finishes
'Tener malos acabados' is a Spanish phrase that directly translates to 'have bad finishes' in English. It's used to express the quality of something, generally referring to the condition or finishing touches of a product, object, project, or task, indicating that it is poor, bad, or not up to standard.
tener teléfono
have a phone
The Spanish phrase 'tener teléfono' translates to 'have a phone' in English. This phrase could be used in differing contexts indicating the possession or availability of a telephone. For instance, when asked about one's ability to communicate via telephone, one might respond affirmatively using 'tener teléfono'. It's also important to note that 'tener' is a verb meaning 'to have' and 'teléfono' is a noun meaning 'phone'. The combination of these words result in the English phrase 'have a phone'.
tener vistas
views
The Spanish phrase 'tener vistas' translates to 'views' in English. However, this expression does not primarily refer to the notion of visually observing one's surroundings. Instead, it is commonly used in the Spanish language to illustrate the concept of a perspective or outlook. It can indicate both a physical view, as in a scenic viewpoint from a position, as well as an abstract view, representing one's perspectives, opinions or future plans. For instance, 'tener vistas a' is often used to express 'looking forward to' or 'planning for' something.
Example sentences with tener vistas →terraza
terrace
The word 'terraza' in Spanish translates to 'terrace' in English. A terrace can refer to a leveled outdoor area attached to a building or a similar structure, often paved and used for leisure activities. It can also relate to a flat area next to a building where people can sit and enjoy the outdoors. The term can also be used in the context of a geological formation. But in most general uses, 'terraza' refers to a balcony or patio area in a house or building.
tienda de campaña
tent
The Spanish phrase 'tienda de campaña' translates to 'tent' in English. This is typically a portable shelter made of cloth, supported by one or more poles and stretched tight by cords or loops attached to pegs driven into the ground. Tents come in various sizes, from small solo structures to larger ones capable of housing a whole group of campers. They are commonly used for camping outdoors but are also employed in various military and humanitarian contexts.
Example sentences with tienda de campaña →tierra
land
In Spanish, 'tierra' is used to represent 'land'. It could imply the solid surface of the earth, a territory, or ground as used in agricultural contexts. Just like in English, it may also reference a country or region. For instance, 'La tierra de mis antepasados' means 'The land of my ancestors'.
Example sentences with tierra →tirar abajo un edificio
to tear down a building
The Spanish phrase 'tirar abajo un edificio' translates into English as 'to tear down a building'. This phrase points to the action of demolishing or removes a building, typically a larger structure, completely. This might be done to create space for new construction or as a safety measure if the building is structurally unsound.
tirar abajo una vivienda
to tear down a house
The Spanish phrase 'tirar abajo una vivienda' translates to 'to tear down a house' in English. This term is used when discussing the act of completely dismantling or demolishing a structure, typically a residential building such as a house. In most situations, this is an irreversible process entailing the removal of all parts of the structure, often in preparation for the construction of a new building in its place.
trasladarse a
to move
The Spanish phrase 'trasladarse a' is a verb phrase that translates to 'to move' in English. It is usually used when referring to changing one's position or location, especially in the context of moving to a new home, city, or country. In a sentence, you might use it to say 'I am moving to Spain next month', which in Spanish would be 'Me voy a trasladar a España el próximo mes'.
vecindario
neighborhood
The Spanish word 'vecindario' translates to 'neighborhood' in English. It refers to a district or community within a town or city. It implies a certain sense of community and familiarity, as it represents the group of houses or buildings and their inhabitants that are situated close to each other. Just like a neighborhood in English-speaking countries, a 'vecindario' in Spanish-speaking countries can have a unique culture and character, influenced by the people living there and their way of life.
vender un apartamento
selling an apartment
The phrase 'vender un apartamento' in Spanish translates to 'selling an apartment' in English. This action phrase usually refers to the process of offering an apartment for sale to potential buyers. This can involve setting a price, listing the apartment on property markets or real estate platforms, negotiating with potential buyers, and eventually transferring property rights to the new owner once a purchase agreement has been made.
vender un piso
sell a flat
The Spanish phrase 'vender un piso' translates in English to 'sell a flat'. This phrase is often used in property sale situations in Spanish speaking countries, where a 'piso' refers to an apartment or flat often found in multi-story residential buildings. The verb 'vender' means 'to sell', indicating the action of transferring ownership of the flat for a certain price. Thus, if someone says they want to 'vender un piso', they're indicating their desire to put a flat or apartment up for sale.
ventana
window
A window is a framed opening in a wall, door, or vehicle that allows the passage of light and, if open, also air and sound. It's an integral part of any home or building.
Example sentences with ventana →vestíbulo
lobby
The Spanish word 'vestíbulo' directly translates to 'lobby' in English. It typically refers to a room providing entrance to various other rooms within a public or commercial establishment, like a hotel or a theater. It may also mean a corridor or an atrium in certain contexts. The word 'vestíbulo' can be used in a variety of situations and environments where there is a need to refer to a common waiting or gathering space.
Example sentences with vestíbulo →viejo
Old man
The Spanish word 'viejo' translates to 'old man' in English. It is used to refer to an elderly male individual. Apart from referring to a person, 'viejo' can also mean old in the context of an object, place, or concept based on the circumstances it is used. Please note that the usage might be different in various regions.
visitar un piso
visit a flat
The Spanish phrase 'visitar un piso' can be translated into English as 'visit a flat'. This phrase is primarily used in contexts where one person is intending to go and see a residential unit which is usually part of a building. This unit can also be referred to as an apartment in North American English. The verb 'visitar' translates to 'visit', and 'piso' translates to 'flat' or 'floor', but in this usage, it is used to refer to a residential unit. The phrase can be used in various scenarios such as house hunting or visiting someone who lives in a flat.
vivienda de alquiler
rental housing
The Spanish term 'vivienda de alquiler' translates to 'rental housing' in English. It refers to homes, apartments or other living spaces that are leased or rented out to tenants, instead of being owned by them. This term is frequently used in business, real estate, and everyday life conversations.
vivienda en construcción
housing under construction
The Spanish phrase 'vivienda en construcción' translates to 'housing under construction' in English. This can be a reference to a house, an apartment, or any other type of dwelling that is currently being constructed. It's a common term in the construction and real estate industries, where it is used to distinguis between projects that are completed and those that are still in the process of being built.
vivir de alquiler
living rental
The Spanish phrase 'vivir de alquiler' translates to 'living rental' in English. It's a phrase used to describe a living arrangement where one pays a monthly fee, known as rent, to occupy a property or housing owned by someone else. It is commonly associated with apartments, homes, or other housing units that are not owned by the occupant.
vivir en un apartamento
living in an apartment
The Spanish phrase 'vivir en un apartamento' translates to 'living in an apartment' in English. This phrase is typically used to describe one's place of residence. 'Vivir' is the base form of the verb 'to live', 'en un' translates to 'in a', and 'apartamento' is the Spanish word for 'apartment'. Therefore, when these words are combined together, the phrase means one resides in an apartment.