vivienda
/biˈbjenda/feminine
The Spanish word for housing is vivienda.
vivienda is used to refer to residences. It can describe a single dwelling or, in many contexts, it functions as an uncountable noun to refer to the general concept of housing. In legal and political contexts, the phrase derecho a la vivienda is the standard way to express the right to housing.
Meaning: residences (noun)
Which one should you use?
While vivienda can refer to a single dwelling, it is frequently used to discuss the broader concept of housing. For temporary residences or formal settings involving accommodation, the word alojamiento is also used.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Colombia, the word techo is frequently used to refer to a dwelling or a place to live.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form viviendas is used when you are referring to multiple residential units or specific housing developments.
How do you pronounce it?
/biˈbjenda/
Did you know?
- The word vivienda shares a distant linguistic ancestor with the English word 'food', specifically through the French word 'viande', which became the Spanish 'vianda'.
- While vivienda is the formal term, Spanish speakers in casual conversation frequently use casa to discuss the abstract concept of housing availability.
- In discussions of urban planning or social policy, Spanish speakers often use habitabilidad instead of vivienda to describe the quality or suitability of a residence.
Examples in context
- Se están construyendo nuevas viviendas.New housing is being built.This sentence shows how to use the plural form viviendas to talk about new housing being built.Tatoeba #7982749 by pchamorro, translation #5738044 by CM
- El quince por ciento de las viviendas serán de bajo costo, para que las familias de bajos ingresos puedan comprar o alquilar casas en la zona.Fifteen per cent of the housing will be affordable, so that low-income families will be able to buy or rent homes in the area.This sentence illustrates how viviendas can be used when discussing affordable housing for low-income families.Tatoeba #4372358 by pchamorro, translation #765297 by sundown
- Debemos poner fin a la expansión urbana descontrolada y luchar contra la segregación espacial, mientas se sigue garantizando el derecho a la vivienda.We must stop urban sprawl and fight against physical segregation while still guaranteeing the right to housing.This sentence demonstrates the use of vivienda within the standard political phrase regarding the right to housing.Tatoeba #1890542 by teskmon, translation #430074 by witbrock
- El gobierno está implementando políticas para mejorar la viviendaThe government is implementing policies to improve housing
- La empresa proporcionará alojamiento a sus empleadosThe company will provide housing to its employees
- El programa está dirigido a brindar hogar a las familias más necesitadasThe program aims to provide housing for the most vulnerable families
- Estoy buscando una casa nuevaI'm looking for a new place to live
- Estoy buscando un piso en el centro de la ciudadI'm looking for an apartment in the city center
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are discussing the rising costs in their city.
- DanielEl precio de la vivienda ha subido mucho.The price of housing has gone up a lot.
- LucíaEs difícil encontrar una vivienda asequible ahora.It is difficult to find affordable housing now.
- DanielTienes razón, Lucía, es un problema grave.You are right, Lucía, it is a serious problem.
- LucíaNecesitamos más opciones para todos.We need more options for everyone.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “housing” translations and entries vivienda, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vivienda, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
