portero
/poɾˈteɾo/masculine
The Spanish word for doorman is portero.
A portero refers to a man who holds open the door at a building entrance. However, in many Spanish-speaking countries, this is also the standard word used for a building porter or a concierge.
Meaning: man who holds open the door at the entrance to a building (noun)
Which one should you use?
While portero can specifically mean a doorman, it is often used more broadly to mean a porter or concierge. Another common synonym is conserje, which is typically used when referring to the person in charge of building maintenance and access.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regions like Spain, conserje is used to address someone who fulfills a doorman's role in residential buildings or hotels.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine plural form of portero is porteras.
How do you pronounce it?
/poɾˈteɾo/
Did you know?
- While portero is a standard noun, in some contexts like sports, it is the term used for a 'goalkeeper' in football.
- In some Latin American countries, a portero may also refer to a bouncer at a nightclub or bar.
- The word portero shares its root with the English word 'port', as both stem from the Latin 'porta' meaning 'door'.
Examples in context
- ¿Puedes hacerme el favor de avisar al portero de que el ascensor no funciona?Could you do me the favor of telling the doorman the elevator doesn't work?This sentence shows how to use portero when asking to notify someone about a maintenance issue.Tatoeba #3680005 by Seael, translation #5301766 by mailohilohi
- Mostré mi billete al portero y entré al teatro.I showed my ticket to the doorman and went into the theatre.This sentence illustrates showing a ticket to a portero to gain entry to a venue.Tatoeba #338963 by tatoerique, translation #38981 by Swift
- Hola, ¿puede avisar al portero para que me abra la puerta, por favor?Hello, could you please notify the doorman to open the door for me?
- ¿Dónde puedo encontrar al vigilante?Where can I find the doorman?
- El portero nos saludó al entrar al edificio.The doorman greeted us as we entered the building.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are standing in front of their apartment building.
- Lucía¿Viste al portero cerca de la entrada?Did you see the doorman near the entrance?
- JavierNo, pero el portero siempre está allí.No, but the doorman is always there.
- LucíaEs muy amable con los vecinos.He is very kind to the neighbors.
- JavierSí, es un hombre muy atento.Yes, he is a very attentive man.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “doorman” translations and entries portero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries portero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
