desván
/desˈban/masculine
In Spanish, the word for loft is desván. It is also spelled bohardilla. Wiktionary also lists buhardilla and tapanco.
Meaning: an attic or similar space (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| desván | /desˈban/ | masculine |
| buhardilla | /bwaɾˈdiʝa/ | feminine |
| tapanco | /taˈpanko/ | Mexico, masculine |
| zaquizamí | /θakiθaˈmi/ /sakisaˈmi/ |
masculine |
| buharda | /ˈbwaɾda/ | feminine |
| bohardilla | /boaɾdiʝa/ (from spelling rules) | feminine, alternative form |
| entretecho | /entɾeˈtet͡ʃo/ | masculine |
| boardilla | /boaɾdiʝa/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
The term is used to describe an attic or a similar space.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the function of the space. desván is typically used for a storage space or a dusty attic used for keeping old items. In contrast, buhardilla is typically used for a habitable attic space or a room located under the roof.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the word tapanco is used specifically to refer to a loft or attic space.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of desván is desvanes, and the plural of buhardilla is buhardillas.
How do you pronounce it?
/desˈban/
Did you know?
- The unusual term zaquizamí originates from the Arabic phrase for 'roof in the sky'.
Examples in context
- El altillo del edificio se utiliza como espacio de oficinasThe loft in the building is used as office space
- El tapanco es utilizado para guardar objetos o como espacio adicionalThe loft is used to store objects or as additional space
- La buhardilla en esta casa antigua es utilizada como un estudioThe loft in this old house is used as a study
- El sótano convertido en loft es ideal para vivir en el centro de la ciudadThe converted basement loft is ideal for living in the city center
- Guardé las maletas viejas en el desván.I stored the old suitcases in the attic.
- El desván es muy oscuro y polvoriento.The attic is very dark and dusty.
- Hay cajas de libros en el desván.There are boxes of books in the attic.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are cleaning their old house.
- Javier¿Podemos subir al desván ahora?Can we go up to the attic now?
- LucíaSí, pero ten cuidado con las escaleras.Yes, but be careful with the stairs.
- JavierEl desván está lleno de trastos viejos.The attic is full of old junk.
- LucíaVamos a tirar todo lo que no sirva.Let's throw away everything that is no longer useful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “loft” translations and entries desván, buhardilla, tapanco, zaquizamí, buharda, bohardilla, entretecho, 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 buhardilla, desván, tapanco, zaquizamí, CC BY-SA 4.0.
