atrio
/ˈatɾjo/masculine
The English word atrium translates to Spanish as atrio.
The term refers to a square hall that is lit from above.
Meaning: square hall lit from above (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the word zaguán is used to refer to an atrium or an entrance hall.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈatɾjo/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the atrio of a church served as an open-air cemetery during the early colonial period.
- In Spanish colonial architecture, the atrio was often an open courtyard in front of a church where indigenous people gathered because they were not yet permitted to enter the sanctuary.
- In traditional Spanish home design, the transition from the zaguán to the interior courtyard was designed to keep the private living areas hidden from the street.
Examples in context
- Los precios del restaurante reflejan el ambiente lujoso del comedor: pisos de piedra pulida, asientos cómodos y con poca gente, techos artesonados, candelabros colgantes y un atrio con cúpula de vidrio que resalta un estanque con nenúfares y linternas tradicionales.The restaurant's prices reflect the dining room's plush surroundings polished stone floors, uncrowded, comfortable seating, a coffered ceiling, overhead chandeliers and a glass-domed atrium featuring a pond with water lilies and traditional lanterns.Tatoeba #12058682 by carlosalberto, translation #3854285 by Objectivesea
- El patio interior es un lugar tranquilo y hermoso en el centro del edificio.The interior patio is a quiet and beautiful place in the center of the building.
- El atrio del hotel es muy luminoso.The hotel's atrium is very bright.
- Podemos vernos en el atrio central.We can meet in the central atrium.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are meeting at a large museum.
- María¿Dónde estás, Mateo?Where are you, Mateo?
- MateoEstoy cerca del atrio, María.I am near the atrium, María.
- MaríaTe veo, estoy justo debajo de la cúpula.I see you, I am right under the dome.
- MateoPerfecto, ya voy hacia ti.Perfect, I'm coming toward you now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “atrium” translations and entries atrio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
