conserje
/konˈseɾxe/masculine
The Spanish word for janitor is conserje. Wiktionary also lists bedel and janitor.
Meaning: caretaker (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| conserje | /konˈseɾxe/ | masculine |
| bedel | /beˈdel/ | masculine |
| janitor | /xanitoɾ/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| U.S.: jánitor | feminine, masculine | |
| yánitor | /ʝanitoɾ/ (from spelling rules) | common gender |
The word refers to a caretaker (noun).
Which one should you use?
While conserje is the standard term for a building caretaker, bedel is a more formal or specific term often used for an official in an academic or institutional setting. Additionally, you may encounter janitor or yánitor.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the term encargado de edificio is commonly used to refer to a janitor.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word conserje is the same in both masculine and feminine forms, but the article changes to indicate gender.
How do you pronounce it?
/konˈseɾxe/
Did you know?
- The Spanish conserje comes from the French word concierge, which originally described a royal official in charge of the palace.
- The Latin root of the word janitor refers to janua, meaning 'door', because the caretaker was the guardian of the entrance.
- The term bedel is traditionally linked to university settings and historically referred to the person who rang the bells to signal the start of classes.
Examples in context
- Tom no es conserje.Tom isn't a janitor.This sentence is useful for stating someone's profession using conserje.Tatoeba #10233429 by manufrutos, translation #6357855 by CK
- Pregúntaselo al conserje, que seguro que lo sabe.Ask the janitor, I bet he knows.This sentence is useful for suggesting one should ask the conserje for information.Tatoeba #10275063 by Seael, translation #10275090 by LimeGreenTeknii
- Por favor, llame al conserje para limpiar este vestíbulo.Please call the janitor to clean this lobby.
- Necesito hablar con el conserje para reportar un problema en el baño.I need to speak with the janitor to report a problem in the restroom.
- El conserje limpia el edificio cada mañana.The janitor cleans the building every morning.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are talking about a maintenance issue at their school.
- LucíaDaniel, ¿sabes dónde está el conserje?Daniel, do you know where the janitor is?
- DanielNo, pero creo que está en el pasillo.No, but I think he is in the hallway.
- LucíaNecesito hablar con él sobre una llave.I need to talk to him about a key.
- DanielEspero que el conserje te ayude pronto.I hope the janitor helps you soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “janitor” translations and entries conserje, bedel, janitor, yánitor, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries conserje, janitor, jánitor, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
