casa unifamiliar
/kasa unifamiljaɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "detached house" is translated into Spanish as casa unifamiliar.
casa unifamiliar refers to a free-standing family dwelling unit.
Meaning: free-standing family dwelling unit (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of casa (house) and unifamiliar (single-family), literally meaning a single-family house.
Which one should you use?
While casa unifamiliar implies a free-standing house, the term casa adosada refers to a house that is attached to another, such as a terraced or semi-detached house.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural casas unifamiliares (detached houses), both the noun and the adjective must be changed.
Did you know?
- While casa unifamiliar is the technical term, people often say chalet to describe a detached house in Spain. In English, a 'chalet' is usually a wooden mountain cabin, but in Spanish it refers to any luxurious detached suburban home.
- The word casa comes from the Latin casa, which originally meant a 'cottage' or 'hut'. Over time, its meaning expanded from a simple rural shelter to any type of dwelling, including the modern casa unifamiliar.
- Real estate listings in Spain often use the term chalet pareado for a semi-detached house. This literally means a 'paired chalet', blending a French loanword with a descriptive Spanish adjective.
Examples in context
- El señor García vive en una casa unifamiliar en las afueras.Mr. Garcia lives in a detached house on the outskirts.
- Busco una casa unifamiliar con jardín.I am looking for a detached house with a garden.
- Viven en una casa unifamiliar en las afueras.They live in a detached house in the suburbs.
- Esta casa unifamiliar es bastante grande.This detached house is quite large.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are discussing real estate options over the phone.
- Mateo¿Prefieres un apartamento o una casa unifamiliar?Do you prefer an apartment or a detached house?
- ElenaPrefiero una casa unifamiliar para tener más espacio.I prefer a detached house to have more space.
- MateoEntiendo, Elena. Yo también busco una así.I understand, Elena. I am also looking for one like that.
- ElenaPodemos ver algunas opciones juntos el sábado.We can look at some options together on Saturday.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries casa, unifamiliar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
