condominio
/kondoˈminjo/
In Spanish, the word for condo is condominio.
A condominio refers to an individual housing unit in a building or complex that is owned by the resident. In many Spanish-speaking countries, people more commonly use the word departamento to refer to an individual unit within a building, whereas condominio often refers to the entire complex or the legal regime of shared ownership.
Which one should you use?
While English speakers often use the shortened 'condo', in Spanish, the full word condominio is the standard term used in legal, real estate and formal contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, el departamento is the most common term used for a condo or apartment. In Colombia, el apartamento is the most common term used for a condo, though la unidad residencial is also understood as a term for a condo.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of condominio is condominios.
How do you pronounce it?
/kondoˈminjo/
Did you know?
- The word condominio shares an unexpected linguistic root with the English word 'dominate' or 'dominion' through the Latin 'dominus', meaning 'master' or 'lord'.
- While 'condo' in English is a ubiquitous shorthand, if you use the shortened condo in a Spanish-speaking country, people may not recognize it as a word at all.
- In Colombia, the term unidad residencial is often used to emphasize the gated community and security aspects of a condo complex.
Examples in context
- La reunión se llevará a cabo en el condominio.The meeting will take place in the condo.
- El condominio tiene una piscina grande.The condo has a large swimming pool.
- Compré un condominio cerca de la playa.I bought a condo near the beach.
- Mi condominio es muy moderno.My condo is very modern.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are talking about real estate options.
- Daniel¿Prefieres una casa o un condominio?Do you prefer a house or a condo?
- ElenaMe gusta más el condominio por la seguridad.I like the condo more because of the security.
- DanielTu condominio actual es muy bonito, Elena.Your current condo is very beautiful, Elena.
- ElenaGracias, Daniel, es muy cómodo.Thanks, Daniel, it is very comfortable.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry condominio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries condominio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
