rascacielos
/raskaˈθjelos/masculine
The English word skyscraper translates to Spanish as rascacielos. Wiktionary also lists torre.
Meaning: tall building (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| rascacielos | /raskaˈθjelos/ /raskaˈsjelos/ |
masculine |
| torre | /ˈtore/ | feminine |
Spanish uses rascacielos to refer to a skyscraper.
Which one should you use?
While rascacielos specifically means skyscraper, torre is often used more broadly to refer to a tower or a high-rise building.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word rascacielos is invariable in number. It uses the same form for both singular and plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/raskaˈθjelos/
Did you know?
- The word rascacielos is a direct linguistic mirror of the English 'skyscraper', using the verb 'rascar' to mean 'to scratch' and 'cielos' for 'skies'.
- The Greek root of torre originally referred to a 'bastion' or a defensive structure, rather than just a tall building.
Examples in context
- El rascacielos fue construído sobre una base sólida.The skyscraper was built on a solid foundation.This sentence is useful for describing the construction of a rascacielos.Tatoeba #1464620 by Kiraness, translation #682044 by Source_VOA
- En un rascacielos, los ascensores son elementos cruciales.The elevators in a skyscraper are vital systems.This sentence describes essential elements found in a rascacielos.Tatoeba #11581700 by Alejandr0, translation #2186 by buster_blu
- El Burj Khalifa es actualmente el más alto rascacielos del mundo.Burj Khalifa is currently the tallest skyscraper in the world.This sentence mentions the tallest rascacielos in the world.Tatoeba #4840692 by nicolita, translation #1399479 by Balamax
- La ciudad está llena de imponentes rascacielos que se destacan en el horizonte.The city is full of impressive skyscrapers that stand out on the skyline.
- La nueva torre de gran altura se convertirá en un ícono arquitectónico de la ciudad.The new skyscraper will become an architectural icon of the city.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are looking at the skyline from a rooftop.
- MateoMira aquel rascacielos de cristal.Look at that glass skyscraper.
- LucíaEs impresionante, Mateo.It is impressive, Mateo.
- Mateo¿Te gustaría trabajar en un rascacielos?Would you like to work in a skyscraper?
- LucíaNo, me dan miedo las alturas.No, I am afraid of heights.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “skyscraper” translations and entries rascacielos, torre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rascacielos, torre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
