espacio exterior
/espaθjo eɡsteɾjoɾ/from spelling rulesmasculine
Outer space in Spanish is espacio exterior. Wiktionary also lists espacio cósmico.
Meaning: region (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| espacio exterior | /espaθjo eɡsteɾjoɾ/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /espasjo eɡsteɾjoɾ/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
| espacio cósmico | /espaθjo kosmiko/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /espasjo kosmiko/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
Spanish speakers often shorten the phrase to simply el espacio in many common contexts, such as 'traveling into space'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of espacio (space) and exterior (outer/exterior).
Which one should you use?
While espacio exterior is the standard term for the physical region of outer space, espacio cósmico is more poetic or scientific in tone, often used when discussing the cosmos as a whole.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because espacio is a masculine noun, you must use the masculine article el when referring to outer space in a specific context.
How do you pronounce it?
/espaθjo eɡsteɾjoɾ/
Did you know?
- The word cósmico shares its Greek roots with the English word 'cosmetic', as both stem from the idea of 'order' and 'arrangement'.
- The term espacio exterior is frequently used in Spanish-language science fiction, but in casual conversation, one might simply say allá arriba to refer to 'up there' in space.
- If you are talking about a 'space' to sit in, such as a seat, you would use un lugar or un sitio rather than un espacio.
Examples in context
- La tripulación está ocupada preparándose para el viaje al espacio exterior.The crew is busy preparing for the voyage into outer space.This sentence shows how to use espacio exterior regarding a voyage.Tatoeba #1909973 by marcelostockle, translation #268424 by CK
- ¿Irías al espacio exterior, aunque nunca pudieras regresar a casa?Would you go to outer space, even if you could never return home?This sentence uses espacio exterior in a hypothetical question about travel.Tatoeba #10113104 by DJ_Saidez, translation #9195538 by DJ_Saidez
- Las primeras fotos de la Tierra tomadas desde el espacio exterior capturaron la imaginación de toda una generación.The first photos of the Earth taken from outer space captured the imagination of an entire generation.This sentence uses espacio exterior to describe the perspective of photos taken from space.Tatoeba #1102536 by gazafello, translation #950126 by darinmex
- La carrera espacial ha permitido grandes avances en la exploración del espacio exterior.The space race has allowed great advances in the exploration of outer space.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are watching a science documentary together.
- DanielEl espacio exterior parece muy silencioso.Outer space seems very silent.
- ElenaSí, es un lugar inmenso y oscuro.Yes, it is an immense and dark place.
- DanielMe gustaría explorar el espacio exterior algún día.I would like to explore outer space someday.
- ElenaSería una aventura increíble para ti, Daniel.It would be an incredible adventure for you, Daniel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “outer space” translations and entries espacio exterior, 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 cósmico, espacio, exterior, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
