trastienda
/tɾastjenda/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'back room' is translated into Spanish as trastienda.
trastienda refers to the physical room located behind a shop or store that is used for storage or administrative tasks. It is also used metaphorically to describe the behind-the-scenes workings or private operations of an organization.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of tras-, meaning behind or back and tienda, meaning shop or store.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the word is trastiendas.
How do you pronounce it?
/tɾastjenda/
Did you know?
- The word tienda used in trastienda comes from the Latin word for 'stretching', referring to the canvas sheets stretched out to create a tent or stall.
- Because trastienda can imply secretive or shady dealings, using it in a professional setting might inadvertently suggest that the person is acting in bad faith.
- The prefix tras- in trastienda is a descendant of the Latin 'trans', which is the same root found in English words like 'transport' or 'transgress'.
Examples in context
- El gerente se encuentra en la sala de atrásThe manager is in the back room
- Él trabaja en la zona trasera del localHe works in the back room of the store
- La sala de atrás es exclusiva para el personal autorizado.The back room is exclusive to authorized personnel.
- El inventario está en la trastienda.The inventory is in the back room.
- Necesitamos más espacio en la trastienda.We need more space in the back room.
Example conversation
Two employees are checking stock in a small shop.
- MaríaMateo, ¿están los zapatos en la trastienda?Mateo, are the shoes in the back room?
- MateoCreo que sí, María. Déjame revisar.I think so, María. Let me check.
- MaríaAvísame si encuentras la talla correcta.Let me know if you find the correct size.
- MateoSí, vuelvo enseguida con ellos.Yes, I'll be back with them in a second.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries trastienda, CC BY-SA 4.0.
