hostal
/osˈtal/masculine
The English word 'hostel' can be translated into Spanish as hostal, albergue or parador.
Meaning: an affordable overnight lodging place (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| hostal | /osˈtal/ | masculine |
| albergue | /alˈbeɾɡe/ | masculine |
| parador | /paɾaˈdoɾ/ | masculine |
Which one should you use?
hostal is typically a small, inexpensive hotel with private or shared rooms, whereas 'hostel' in English often implies much more basic dormitory-style living. The phrase albergue juvenil is the standard way to specify a youth hostel in Spanish. A parador is not a budget hostel, but a high-end, state-run hotel often located in historic buildings or scenic areas in Spain.
How does it change in a sentence?
All three forms are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/osˈtal/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers should avoid using the English word 'hostel' in Spanish, as the Spanish word hostal is pronounced differently and 'hostel' is not a Spanish word.
Did you know?
- The term albergue is not always for people. In Spanish, it is also the word used for an animal shelter, such as an albergue de animales.
- The Spanish word hostal is a linguistic sibling to both 'hotel' and 'hospital'. All three words share a common root in the Latin word for a guest or host.
- The term albergue is the specific word used for the hostels along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.
Examples in context
- ¿Hay algún albergue juvenil cerca de aquí?Is there a youth hostel near here?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of an albergue.Tatoeba #2837 by sarostegui, translation #1662 by confusion
- Algunos afirman que el albergue español es una película pornográfica.Some insist that the Spanish hostel is a pornographic film.This sentence shows how albergue is used in a different context.Tatoeba #607372 by qdii, translation #702818 by papabear
- Me alojé en un albergue en Madrid durante mi viaje.I stayed at a hostel in Madrid during my trip.
- La posada donde me hospedé en Barcelona era muy acogedora.The hostel where I stayed in Barcelona was very cozy.
- Mi amiga trabaja en un hostal en Sevilla.My friend works at a hostel in Seville.
- Ayer conocí a unos viajeros en el hostel donde me hospedé en Buenos Aires.Yesterday, I met some travelers at the hostel where I stayed in Buenos Aires.
- En México puedes encontrar albergues juveniles económicos.In Mexico, you can find affordable youth hostels.
- Muchos turistas prefieren este tipo de hospedaje durante su visita a Costa Rica.Many tourists prefer this type of lodging during their visit to Costa Rica.
- El hostal está muy cerca de la playa.The hostel is very close to the beach.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are looking for a place to sleep during their trip.
- Alejandro¿Sabes si este hostal tiene habitaciones libres?Do you know if this hostel has free rooms?
- ElenaNo estoy segura, pero podemos preguntar.I am not sure, but we can ask.
- AlejandroEspero que el hostal sea barato.I hope the hostel is cheap.
- ElenaSeguro que sí, Alejandro.I am sure it will be, Alejandro.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hostel” translations and entries hostal, albergue, parador, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries albergue, hostal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
