casas en serie
/kasas en seɾje/from spelling rules
The English phrase "cookie cutter houses" can be translated into Spanish as casas en serie.
This phrase is used to describe houses that are all built with the same design and layout.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase casas en serie literally means "houses in series" or "houses in a row/sequence".
Which one should you use?
While casas en serie is a standard way to describe these buildings, you can also use casas clonadas to more colloquially refer to houses that are identical or appear to be "cloned".
Did you know?
- The word serie comes from the Latin seriēs, which originally referred to a row or a chain, such as a string of pearls.
- Using casas en serie can sometimes carry a subtle social connotation of 'mass-produced' or 'low quality'. It can imply that the neighborhood lacks character or soul.
- The English 'cookie cutter' metaphor is quite rare in Spanish. If you tried to translate 'cortador de galletas' literally, a Spanish speaker would likely be confused by the architectural context.
Examples in context
- El nuevo desarrollo inmobiliario consiste en casas en serie, todas construidas con el mismo diseño y distribución.The new real estate development consists of cookie cutter houses, all built with the same design and layout.
- No me gustan las casas en serie. Prefiero algo con más carácter.I don't like cookie cutter houses, I prefer something with more character.
- No me gustan las casas en serie.I don't like cookie cutter houses.
- Este barrio está lleno de casas en serie.This neighborhood is full of cookie cutter houses.
- Prefiero una casa única a las casas en serie.I prefer a unique house to cookie cutter houses.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are driving through a new residential development.
- JavierTodo parece tan igual aquí.Everything looks so much the same here.
- LucíaSí, son solo casas en serie.Yes, they are just cookie cutter houses.
- JavierMe resultan muy aburridas.I find them very boring.
- LucíaYo también prefiero algo con más estilo.I also prefer something with more style.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, serie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
