Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| salón | /saˈlon/ | masculine |
| sala de estar | /ˌsala de esˈtaɾ/ | feminine |
| sala | /ˈsala/ | feminine |
| living | /ˈlibin/ | masculine |
These terms are used to describe a room in a private house.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase sala de estar literally means 'room of being' or 'room for staying'.
Which one should you use?
Salón is a common way to say living room, but it can also refer to a large hall or a grand ballroom. Sala is a more general term for a room or hall and is often used as shorthand for sala de estar.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina and Uruguay, the term living is used informally to refer to the living room. In certain regions, estancia is a formal term for a living area. In Mexico or parts of South America, salita is used for a small, cozy living room.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because salón is a masculine noun, you must use the masculine articles el or un. Because sala is a feminine noun, you must use the feminine articles la or una when referring to the living room.
How do you pronounce it?
/saˈlon/
Did you know?
- The word salón is a relative of the English word 'saloon'. Both words trace their origins back to the same roots describing a large room or hall.
Examples in context
- ¿Hay alguien en la sala?Is there anyone in the living room?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is in the sala.Tatoeba #2973552 by hayastan, translation #10255424 by LimeGreenTeknii
- El salón está a la derecha.The living room is on the right.This sentence is useful for describing the location of the salón.Tatoeba #7147846 by arh, translation #8464478 by shekitten
- Tomás está solo en la sala de estar.Tom is alone in the living room.This sentence is useful for stating that someone is alone in the sala de estar.Tatoeba #5058453 by don_ramon, translation #2208597 by CK
- 44 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are deciding where to watch a movie.
- MateoPodemos ver la película en el salón.We can watch the movie in the living room.
- LucíaSí, el sofá del salón es muy cómodo.Yes, the living room sofa is very comfortable.
- MateoVoy a buscar las palomitas ahora.I am going to get the popcorn now.
- LucíaPerfecto, te espero en el salón.Perfect, I'll wait for you in the living room.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “living room” translations and entries salón, sala de estar, sala, living, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, estar, living, sala, salón, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
