Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| techo | /ˈtet͡ʃo/ | masculine |
| cielorraso | /θjeloraso/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /sjeloraso/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine, alternative form |
| cielo raso | /θjelo ɾaso/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /sjelo ɾaso/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
| plafón | /plaˈfon/ | masculine |
The primary way to refer to the upper limit of a room is using the word techo. This word is used for the interior ceiling of a room, but it is also the standard word for the exterior roof of a building.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase cielo raso literally translates to 'flat sky', which is used metaphorically to describe the smooth surface of an interior ceiling.
Which one should you use?
While techo is the most common word, it can refer to both the interior ceiling and the exterior roof. To specifically distinguish the interior ceiling of a room from the exterior roof, you can use cielo raso or cielorraso. Additionally, plafón is used when referring to a ceiling or a specific type of ceiling-mounted light fixture.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In architectural or technical contexts, plafón is a more formal term used to describe the ceiling or lighting fixtures.
How does it change in a sentence?
All the forms provided are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtetʃo/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word raso in cielo raso shares the same root as the English word 'raze' meaning to level a building to the ground.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the phrase no tener techo is used to describe someone who is homeless, literally saying they 'do not have a roof'.
- Because techo means both 'ceiling' and 'roof', the common idiom poner techo can mean literally putting on a roof or figuratively setting a limit on someone's growth.
Examples in context
- Hay un falso techo.There's a false ceiling.This sentence shows how to use techo when talking about a false ceiling.Tatoeba #8322173 by arh, translation #12239458 by Miktsoanit
- Él miró hacia el techo.He looked up at the ceiling.This sentence shows how to use techo to describe someone looking up at the ceiling.Tatoeba #1184214 by marcelostockle, translation #301757 by CK
- Él pintó el techo de azul.He painted the ceiling blue.This sentence shows how to use techo when describing the color of a ceiling.Tatoeba #1318597 by marcelostockle, translation #301758 by CK
- El pintor está pintando el techo de la sala.The painter is painting the ceiling of the room.
- La arquitecta diseñó un hermoso cielo raso de madera.The architect designed a beautiful wooden ceiling.
- No puedo esperar para pintar el techo de la casa de un color diferente.I can't wait to paint the ceiling of the house a different color.
- 47 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are in a room looking at a leak.
- Daniel¿Viste la mancha en el techo?Did you see the stain on the ceiling?
- ElenaSí, parece que hay una gotera.Yes, it looks like there is a leak.
- DanielEl techo de esta habitación es muy alto.The ceiling in this room is very high.
- ElenaEs cierto, Daniel, es impresionante.It is true, Daniel, it is impressive.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ceiling” translations and entries techo, cielorraso, cielo raso, plafón, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cielo, plafón, raso, techo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
