sala de estar
/ˌsala de esˈtaɾ/
The English phrase 'day room' is translated into Spanish as sala de estar.
sala de estar is used to refer to a day room.
Which one should you use?
While sala de estar is used for a day room, you might use salón instead if you are referring to a larger, more formal or more spacious living area. In many casual contexts, speakers will also shorten sala de estar to simply la sala.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌsala de esˈtaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word sala is an ancient relative of the English word 'salon'. Both trace back to the Proto-Germanic word *saliz, which referred to a human settlement or dwelling.
- In some Latin American countries, if you ask for la sala, people might assume you mean the formal receiving area rather than a cozy 'day room'.
- Depending on the region, the concept of a sala de estar can overlap with el salón, but in Spain, el salón often implies a space that includes the dining area.
Examples in context
- El hotel tiene una habitación de día para descansar antes de nuestro vuelo.The hotel has a day room to rest before our flight.
- Vamos a disfrutar de la piscina y luego alquilaremos una habitación para pasar el día.We're going to enjoy the pool and then rent a room to spend the day.
- El aeropuerto ofrece habitaciones de uso diurno para los pasajeros en tránsito.The airport offers day-use rooms for passengers in transit.
- La sala de estar es muy amplia.The living room is very spacious.
- Estamos en la sala de estar.We are in the living room.
- Tu sofá es perfecto para la sala de estar.Your sofa is perfect for the living room.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are discussing where to relax at home.
- ElenaMateo, ¿estás en la sala de estar?Mateo, are you in the living room?
- MateoSí, estoy leyendo un libro aquí.Yes, I am reading a book here.
- ElenaVoy para allá ahora mismo.I am going there right now.
- MateoPerfecto, te espero en la sala de estar.Perfect, I'll wait for you in the living room.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sala de estar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, estar, sala, CC BY-SA 4.0.
