asistenta
/asisˈtenta/
The English phrase 'cleaning lady' is translated into Spanish as asistenta.
Meaning: Translations (noun)
Which one should you use?
La señora de la limpieza is a more colloquial way to refer to the cleaning lady, whereas Empleada de limpieza and Personal de limpieza are formal.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term trabajadora de limpieza may be used to refer to a cleaning lady.
How do you pronounce it?
/asisˈtenta/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, the term muchacha was historically used to refer to a cleaning lady. Today, this is often seen as outdated or condescending because it literally means 'girl'.
- In many Latin American households, it is common to address a cleaning lady simply as doña followed by her first name, even if you do not know her personally. This serves as a sign of respect that avoids the perceived coldness of a job title.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the word asistenta can evoke the image of a lady-in-waiting in a royal court rather than a modern cleaning professional.
Examples in context
- Necesitamos contratar una empleada de limpieza para la oficina.We need to hire a cleaning lady for the office.
- ¿Puedes preguntarle a la señora de la limpieza si puede limpiar nuestra casa?Can you ask the cleaning lady if she can clean our house?
- Necesitamos contratar a una asistenta.We need to hire a cleaning lady.
- La asistenta llega a las nueve.The cleaning lady arrives at nine.
Example conversation
Javier and María are discussing their household chores in the kitchen.
- Javier¿Viene la asistenta esta semana?Is the cleaning lady coming this week?
- MaríaSí, la asistenta vendrá el viernes.Yes, the cleaning lady will come on Friday.
- JavierQué bueno, la casa está sucia.That's good, the house is dirty.
- MaríaElla se encargará de todo.She will take care of everything.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry asistenta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
