alquilar un piso
/alkilaɾ un piso/from spelling rules
To rent a flat in Spanish is alquilar un piso.
The phrase is used to describe the act of paying money to live in an apartment that belongs to someone else. Note that the verb alquilar can mean both 'to rent (from someone)' and 'to rent out (to someone)' depending on the context of your sentence.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many Latin American countries, the word apartamento is used instead of piso to refer to a flat. Consequently, you will often hear alquilar un apartamento in those regions.
How do you pronounce it?
/alkilaɾ un piso/
Did you know?
- In Spain, piso specifically refers to an apartment, but in many other Spanish-speaking countries, it simply means 'floor' or 'ground'.
- The word piso for 'flat' is actually a deverbal noun derived from the verb pisar, which means 'to step' or 'to tread'.
- While alquilar is used for property, the word arrendar is often used in legal contracts and formal rental agreements across the Spanish-speaking world.
Examples in context
- ¿Dónde puedo arrendar un apartamento en Madrid?Where can I rent an apartment in Madrid?
- También puede alquilar un piso en el centro de la ciudad.You can also rent a flat in the city center.
- ¿Dónde puedo rentar un apartamento?Where can I rent an apartment?
- Quiero alquilar un piso en el centro.I want to rent a flat in the city center.
- Es difícil alquilar un piso este mes.It is difficult to rent a flat this month.
- ¿Vas a alquilar un piso nuevo?Are you going to rent a new flat?
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are discussing moving to a new city.
- AlejandroMaría, ¿buscamos un lugar para vivir?María, shall we look for a place to live?
- MaríaSí, deberíamos alquilar un piso pronto.Yes, we should rent a flat soon.
- AlejandroTengo algunas opciones interesantes.I have some interesting options.
- MaríaPerfecto, vamos a verlos mañana.Perfect, let's go see them tomorrow.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alquilar, piso, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
