celda
/ˈθelda/
The English phrase "jail cell" is translated into Spanish as celda.
A celda is a small room in a prison used to hold a prisoner. While it specifically refers to a jail cell, the word can also be used more broadly to describe a small room or a monk's cell in a monastery.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of celda is celdas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈθelda/
Did you know?
- When describing a beehive, Spanish speakers use celda to refer to the individual hexagonal wax chambers.
- The spelling of celda reflects a historical linguistic pattern seen in the word rebelde. In both cases, the Latin double 'll' was transformed into 'ld' to make it easier to pronounce.
- While celda describes a jail cell, Spanish has a distinct word célula for biological cells. Using celda in a science context is possible but far less common.
Examples in context
- Tom se ahorcó en su celda.Tom hanged himself in his jail cell.This sentence demonstrates the use of celda in a narrative context.Tatoeba #9969866 by Shishir, translation #3956144 by CK
- La celda es muy pequeña y oscura.The jail cell is very small and dark.
- El guardia cerró la puerta de la celda.The guard closed the jail cell door.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are watching a crime documentary on TV.
- AlejandroEl prisionero está solo en su celda.The prisoner is alone in his jail cell.
- SofíaParece un lugar muy incómodo, Alejandro.It looks like a very uncomfortable place, Alejandro.
- AlejandroSí, la celda no tiene ni una ventana.Yes, the jail cell doesn't even have a window.
- SofíaQué triste es esa situación.That situation is so sad.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry celda, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries celda, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
