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.