sillón
/siˈʝon/
In Spanish, the English phrase "arm chair" is translated as sillón.
The term sillón refers specifically to a comfortable, upholstered chair that features side supports for a person's arms.
Which one should you use?
Spanish distinguishes between different types of seating. While silla is used for a standard chair that is often less padded and may lack arms, sillón is reserved for the more comfortable, padded armchair.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of sillón is sillones.
How do you pronounce it?
/siˈʝon/
Did you know?
- In Spain, you might find a sillón orejero, which translates to an 'eared armchair', referring to the wingback style that covers the sides of the head.
- The word sillón is used in the phrase el sillón presidencial to refer to the office of the presidency rather than a piece of furniture.
- The word sillón is actually a 'super-sized' version of the word for a standard chair, silla. It is formed by adding the suffix -ón, which acts as an augmentative to indicate that the chair is larger and more substantial.
Examples in context
- Un cómodo sillón en la sala principal del edificio le dará un toque elegante y refinado.A comfortable armchair in the main hall of the building will give it an elegant and refined touch.
- Me encanta relajarme en mi sillón después del trabajo.I love relaxing in my armchair after work.
- Esta butaca es perfecta para disfrutar de una buena película.This armchair is perfect for enjoying a good movie.
- El sillón es muy cómodo.The armchair is very comfortable.
- Compré un sillón nuevo para la sala.I bought a new armchair for the living room.
- Ese sillón de cuero es muy elegante.That leather armchair is very elegant.
Example conversation
María and Daniel are choosing furniture for their new apartment.
- María¿Te gusta este sillón azul?Do you like this blue armchair?
- DanielSí, parece muy acogedor.Yes, it looks very cozy.
- MaríaEs perfecto para leer.It is perfect for reading.
- DanielEntonces vamos a comprarlo.Then let's buy it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sillón, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sillón, CC BY-SA 4.0.
