Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| dormitorio | /doɾmiˈtoɾjo/ | masculine |
| alcoba | /alˈkoba/ | masculine |
| cuarto | /ˈkwaɾto/ | masculine |
| habitación | /abitaˈθjon/ /abitaˈsjon/ |
Spain |
| pieza | /ˈpjeθa/ /ˈpjesa/ |
Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Uruguay |
| recámara | /reˈkamaɾa/ | Mexico |
A bedroom is a room in a house where a bed is kept for sleeping. While dormitorio is a standard term, several other words are used depending on the level of formality and the specific region.
What does it mean word for word?
The word dormitorio is derived from the verb dormir, which means to sleep.
Which one should you use?
The term cuarto can mean bedroom, but it is actually a more generic term used to describe any room or chamber.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal settings like real estate listings or hotels, dormitorio is a common choice. Alcoba is a more formal or even literary term, often implying a private or traditional setting. In informal, everyday conversation, you might use cuarto or pieza.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Regional usage varies significantly: habitación is especially common in Spain, particularly when referring to hotel or guest rooms. In Mexico and parts of Central and South America, recámara is the standard term. In many South American countries such as Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Uruguay, pieza is the common colloquial way to refer to a bedroom. Finally, alcoba is primarily used in Colombia, Ecuador and parts of Spain.
How do you pronounce it?
/doɾmiˈtoɾjo/
Did you know?
- The word alcoba has its origins in the Arabic word for a 'dome' or 'cupola', referring to the architectural shape of the spaces in ancient Andalusian homes.
- In many parts of South America, if you ask for a 'bedroom', people will most naturally respond with the word pieza, which literally translates to 'piece'.
Examples in context
- Esta es mi habitación.This is my bedroom.This sentence is useful for identifying a specific habitación.Tatoeba #4329279 by pchamorro, translation #2648007 by CK
- Esta es la pieza de Tom.This is Tom's bedroom.This sentence is useful for identifying a specific pieza.Tatoeba #3950954 by hayastan, translation #2547045 by CK
- Ella subió a su dormitorio.She went upstairs to her bedroom.This sentence is useful for describing the action of going to a dormitorio.Tatoeba #1703135 by marcelostockle, translation #310135 by CK
- Recoge tus juguetes y ordena tu habitación.Pick up your toys and tidy your bedroom.
- Tenemos habitaciones disponibles, cada una con su propio baño y dormitorio.We have available rooms, each with its own bathroom and bedroom.
- Mis amigos están esperándome en mi cuarto.My friends are waiting for me in my bedroom.
- Voy a mi pieza a descansar un rato.I'm going to my bedroom to rest for a while.
- La recámara de mi hermano es muy desordenada.My brother's bedroom is very messy.
- En la recámara principal, hay una cama king-size muy cómoda.In the master bedroom, there is a very comfortable king-size bed.
- Me gusta leer antes de dormir en mi alcoba.I like to read before sleeping in my bedroom.
- La alcoba de la abuela está llena de muebles antiguos.Grandma's bedroom is filled with antique furniture.
- 99 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are looking at a new apartment.
- Javier¿Te gusta este dormitorio?Do you like this bedroom?
- LucíaSí, el dormitorio es muy luminoso.Yes, the bedroom is very bright.
- JavierLucía, ¿quieres ver la cocina también?Lucía, do you want to see the kitchen too?
- LucíaSí, vamos a verla.Yes, let's go see it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bedroom” translations and entries dormitorio, alcoba, cuarto, habitación, pieza, recámara, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alcoba, cuarto, dormitorio, habitación, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
