ascensor
/asθenˈsoɾ/masculine
The English word 'lift' (referring to a mechanical device for vertical transport) is ascensor in Spanish. Wiktionary also lists elevador.
Meaning: mechanical device for vertically transporting goods or people (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ascensor | /asθenˈsoɾ/ /asenˈsoɾ/ |
masculine |
| elevador | /elebaˈdoɾ/ | Mexico, Puerto Rico, masculine |
The term ascensor is the most common and universal way to say 'lift' in Spanish. If you are specifically referring to an industrial lift or a freight elevator used for moving goods, you should use montacargas.
Which one should you use?
ascensor is the standard term used across most Spanish-speaking countries. In contrast, elevador is a more regional term used for the same device.
Is it said differently in some regions?
elevador is commonly used in Mexico and Puerto Rico, as well as parts of Central America.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun ascensor is masculine, so it is preceded by masculine articles such as el or un.
How do you pronounce it?
/asθenˈsoɾ/
Did you know?
- Although ascensor and elevador both mean 'lift', using elevador in Spain might sound like you are referring to a piece of gym equipment or a car jack.
- While you might expect people to name the machine, Spanish speakers often omit the noun entirely and simply use the verbs subir or bajar to describe the act of taking the lift.
- The word ascensor shares its ancient roots with the English word 'ascend', as both come from the Latin 'ascendere' meaning 'to climb up'.
Examples in context
- Vino el técnico del ascensor.The lift engineer came.This sentence shows the use of ascensor in the context of a technician.Tatoeba #5721141 by arh, translation #9004158 by helloroto
- El ascensor se detuvo en seco.The lift came to an abrupt halt.This sentence demonstrates how to describe the movement of an ascensor.Tatoeba #10098103 by Eremon, translation #7971098 by deniko
- Algo anda mal con el ascensor.There's something wrong with the lift.This sentence is useful for expressing that there is a problem with the ascensor.Tatoeba #12297113 by Serrot, translation #12573078 by sundown
- Vamos al ascensorLet's go to the lift.
- El elevador está en el primer pisoThe lift is on the first floor.
- Nos vemos en la planta baja junto al ascensor.We'll meet on the ground floor next to the lift.
- ¿Podrías presionar el botón del elevador, por favor?Could you press the lift button, please?
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are standing in a building lobby.
- Mateo¿Dónde está el ascensor, Lucía?Where is the lift, Lucía?
- LucíaEstá justo aquí, Mateo.It is right here, Mateo.
- MateoParece que el ascensor está lleno.It looks like the lift is full.
- LucíaVamos a usar las escaleras.Let's use the stairs.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lift” translations and entries ascensor, elevador, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ascensor, elevador, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
