zócalos
/θokalos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "baseboards" is translated into Spanish as zócalos.
The term refers to the narrow boards that run along the bottom of an interior wall to cover the joint between the wall and floor. You may also use the more general term moldura to refer to decorative moldings, which can include baseboards.
Which one should you use?
rodapiés is a formal term for baseboards. Additionally, moldura serves as a broader category for various types of decorative molding.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the term rodapié is commonly used instead of zócalo for baseboards.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is zócalo.
How do you pronounce it?
/θokalos/
Did you know?
- While zócalo refers to a baseboard in a home, in Mexico it is the common name for the main city square, such as the massive Zócalo in Mexico City.
- The term rodapié contains the word pie, meaning 'foot', which provides a physical mental image of the board acting as the 'foot' of the wall.
- In Spain, using zócalo instead of rodapié may lead a professional to think you are referring to decorative tiled wainscoting rather than a simple board.
Examples in context
- El contratista recomendó instalar zócalos blancos en todas las habitaciones.The contractor recommended installing white baseboards in all the rooms.
- Los rodapiés deben ser del mismo color que las puertas para lograr una apariencia uniforme.The baseboards should be the same color as the doors to achieve a uniform look.
- Los zócalos son de madera.The baseboards are made of wood.
- Hay que limpiar los zócalos.The baseboards need to be cleaned.
- ¿Dónde compraste esos zócalos blancos?Where did you buy those white baseboards?
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are renovating their living room.
- AlejandroMaría, ¿necesitamos comprar zócalos nuevos?María, do we need to buy new baseboards?
- MaríaSí, los zócalos actuales están rotos.Yes, the current baseboards are broken.
- AlejandroVoy a buscar unos de color blanco.I am going to look for some white ones.
- MaríaEsa es una buena idea, Alejandro.That is a good idea, Alejandro.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
