sala de estar
/ˌsala de esˈtaɾ/
The English phrase "lounge room" is translated into Spanish as sala de estar.
The phrase refers to a room in a house used for relaxing and socializing.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase sala de estar literally translates to "room of staying".
Which one should you use?
While sala can refer to any large hall or room, adding de estar specifies it as a room intended for relaxing or "staying" rather than a formal reception hall. Additionally, el salón is a common, more concise way to refer to the lounge or living room in many Spanish-speaking contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term sala de convivencia is used to describe a lounge room.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌsala de esˈtaɾ/
Did you know?
- While estar means 'to be' in the phrase sala de estar, its past tense forms are actually borrowed from the verb tener, which means 'to have'.
- While sala de estar describes the room's function, in many traditional Spanish homes, this room was historically kept formal and unused until guests arrived.
- The word salón is a linguistic chameleon that can describe both a cozy domestic living room and a massive, formal banquet hall.
Examples in context
- La sala de estar es el lugar perfecto para relajarseThe lounge room is the perfect place to relax
- Voy a descansar en el salónI'm going to relax in the lounge room
- Vamos a ver una película en la salaLet's watch a movie in the lounge room
- Vamos a pasar tiempo en el cuarto de estarLet's spend time in the lounge room
- Voy a decorar mi sala de estar con muebles modernosI'm going to decorate my lounge room with modern furniture
- Nos reuniremos en la sala después de la cenaWe'll gather in the lounge room after dinner
- Nos vemos en la sala de estar.I'll see you in the living room.
- La sala de estar es muy acogedora.The lounge room is very cozy.
- Estamos en la sala de estar.We are in the lounge room.
- Limpiamos la sala de estar esta mañana.We cleaned the lounge room this morning.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are deciding where to sit in their new apartment.
- Alejandro¿Dónde podemos sentarnos?Where can we sit?
- ElenaPodemos ir a la sala de estar.We can go to the lounge room.
- AlejandroEs una buena idea, Elena.That is a good idea, Elena.
- ElenaSí, es más cómoda.Yes, it is more comfortable.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sala de estar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, estar, sala, CC BY-SA 4.0.
