mazmorra
/maθˈmora/feminine
The English word dungeon translates to Spanish as mazmorra. Wiktionary also lists calabozo.
Meaning: underground prison or vault (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mazmorra | /maθˈmora/ /masˈmora/ |
feminine |
| calabozo | /kalaˈboθo/ /kalaˈboso/ |
masculine |
The word refers to an underground prison or vault.
Which one should you use?
While both mean dungeon, mazmorra is more common in literary, historical or fantasy contexts (like a castle dungeon), whereas calabozo is more common for a police cell or a small holding room. calabozo is the preferred term for a small, temporary detention cell used by police or in modern settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of the feminine noun mazmorra is mazmorras. The plural of the masculine noun calabozo is calabozos.
How do you pronounce it?
/maθˈmora/
Did you know?
- The word mazmorra was originally borrowed from the Arabic word 'maṭmūra', which referred to a granary or a cellar for storing food rather than a place of imprisonment.
- Spanish speakers may use mazmorra metaphorically to describe any dark, cluttered, or suffocating room, such as a basement office or a messy bedroom.
- Because calabozo is often associated with police detention, using mazmorra in a modern police context would sound like a joke or a critique of the facility's primitive conditions.
Examples in context
- La princesa fue arrojada a la mazmorra más recóndita del castillo.The princess was thrown into the castle's deepest dungeon.This sentence shows the use of mazmorra in a castle setting.Tatoeba #10195654 by Seael, translation #3884679 by Hybrid
- Los cofres del tesoro abundan en la mazmorra, pero también los monstruos horribles.Treasure chests abound in the dungeon, but so do horrible monsters.This sentence uses mazmorra to describe a place filled with treasure and monsters.Tatoeba #871030 by Shishir, translation #718081 by papabear
- La última vez que te vi, estábamos prisioneros en mazmorra.The last time I saw you, we were prisoners in a dungeon.This sentence demonstrates using mazmorra to describe being a prisoner.Tatoeba #8680149 by ajje, translation #8680151 by ajje
- El prisionero fue encerrado en la mazmorra durante días.The prisoner was locked in the dungeon for days.
- El castillo medieval cuenta con una mazmorra impresionante.The medieval castle boasts an impressive dungeon.
- La mazmorra era utilizada para castigar a los reos.The dungeon was used to punish the criminals.
- Nuestro grupo exploró el calabozo abandonado y descubrió secretos ocultos.Our group explored the abandoned dungeon and discovered hidden secrets.
- El héroe valiente escapó del calabozo justo a tiempo.The brave hero escaped from the dungeon just in time.
- En la película, el villano encierra al protagonista en un calabozo subterráneo.In the movie, the villain locks the protagonist in an underground dungeon.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a fantasy game they are playing.
- MaríaMaría, ¿qué hay dentro de la mazmorra?María, what is inside the dungeon?
- JavierHay un dragón durmiendo en la mazmorra, Javier.There is a dragon sleeping in the dungeon, Javier.
- MaríaEntonces no podemos entrar en la mazmorra ahora.Then we cannot enter the dungeon now.
- JavierBusquemos una llave para abrir la mazmorra.Let's look for a key to open the dungeon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dungeon” translations and entries mazmorra, calabozo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries calabozo, mazmorra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
