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What is the Spanish word for balcony?

Published in Spanish Vocabulary 2 mins read

The most common Spanish word for 'balcony' is balcón.

Spanish Translation for 'Balcony'

The primary and most direct translation for 'balcony' in Spanish is balcón. This term refers to a platform projecting from the wall of a building, typically above the ground floor, with a balustrade or parapet.

While balcón is the precise term, the word terraza can also sometimes be used, especially if the structure is more like an upper terrace or a larger outdoor space attached to a building, which might function similarly to a balcony.

Key Translations

Here's a breakdown of the translations:

English Term Spanish Translation Gender Notes
balcony balcón Masculine (nm) Most common and direct translation.
balcony terraza Feminine (nf) Can refer to an upper terrace or a larger balcony-like space.

Usage Example

To illustrate the usage, consider the following example:

  • English: "It was a sunny day, so we had lunch on the balcony."
  • Spanish: "Era un día soleado, así que almorzamos en el balcón."

In this context, balcón perfectly conveys the meaning of eating on the outdoor projection of a building. While terraza could technically be used, balcón is more specific to the common understanding of a balcony.

Understanding the Nuances

  • Balcón: Generally implies a smaller, often ornate, projecting structure that extends from a room, typically just large enough for one or two people to stand or sit. It's common in apartments and multi-story buildings.
  • Terraza: Tends to imply a larger, flat outdoor area, which could be on the ground floor or an upper level (a rooftop terrace, for example). An upper-level terraza can sometimes be synonymous with a very large balcony, especially if it's more like an accessible outdoor living space.

In summary, for the most exact and common translation of 'balcony,' balcón is the word to use.