ático
/ˈatiko/masculine
The English phrase "attic" can be translated into Spanish as ático, buhardilla, desván, zaquizamí or sobrado.
Meaning: space directly below the roof (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ático | /ˈatiko/ | masculine |
| buhardilla | /bwaɾˈdiʝa/ | feminine |
| desván | /desˈban/ | masculine |
| zaquizamí | /θakiθaˈmi/ /sakisaˈmi/ |
masculine |
| sobrado | /soˈbɾado/ | masculine |
All these terms refer to the space located directly below a roof.
Which one should you use?
The term desván is the most common word used to describe a dusty attic used for storing old belongings. If the attic is defined by the sloping ceilings of a roof, use buhardilla. In the context of modern real estate, ático often refers to a penthouse or an apartment located on the top floor.
How does it change in a sentence?
buhardilla is a feminine noun, while desván, zaquizamí, sobrado and ático are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈatiko/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers may mistakenly use ático to refer to a simple storage room. In many Spanish-speaking contexts, ático implies a high-end living space or a penthouse.
Did you know?
- The word zaquizamí carries a poetic history, as it was borrowed from an Arabic phrase meaning 'roof in the sky'.
- In certain rural regions of Spain, a sobrado refers to a top floor traditionally used for drying crops or storing grain.
- In some regions, the term sobrado is used to describe the space under the roof, which literally implies something is 'left over'.
Examples in context
- Lo guardo en el ático.I keep it in the attic.This sentence shows how to use ático to indicate where an object is kept.Tatoeba #4395592 by pchamorro, translation #3826488 by CK
- Lo encontré en el ático.I found it in the attic.This sentence is useful for describing finding something in the ático.Tatoeba #4392370 by pchamorro, translation #2327214 by CK
- Los niños están en el desván.The children are in the attic.This sentence shows the use of desván when referring to children being in the attic.Tatoeba #10755079 by SeaLiteral, translation #6221567 by CK
- El desván de la casa está lleno de recuerdosThe attic of the house is filled with memories
- Vamos a pasar la tarde en la buhardillaLet's spend the afternoon in the attic
- Deberíamos convertir el altillo en un estudioWe should turn the attic into a studio
- El desván de la casa está lleno de trastos viejos.The attic of the house is full of old stuff.
- Voy al sótano a buscar mis libros.I'm going to the attic to get my books.
- Mi abuelo guarda historias increíbles en su desván.My grandfather keeps incredible stories in his attic.
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are looking for old decorations in their new house.
- Mateo¿Dónde están las luces de Navidad?Where are the Christmas lights?
- MaríaCreo que están en el ático.I think they are in the attic.
- MateoTienes razón, buscaré en el ático.You are right, I will look in the attic.
- MaríaTen cuidado al subir las escaleras.Be careful when climbing the stairs.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “attic” translations and entries ático, buhardilla, desván, zaquizamí, sobrado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries buhardilla, desván, zaquizamí, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
