espacio
/esˈpaθjo/
The English word 'space' is translated into Spanish as espacio.
espacio is the most common and general term for space in Spanish. When referring specifically to outer space, you should typically use the definite article to say el espacio.
Meaning: a gap, an empty place (noun)
Which one should you use?
While espacio refers to a gap or a physical area, the word hueco is often used instead when you are talking about a specific hollow or a hole. Additionally, while lugar primarily means 'place', it can sometimes be used to refer to a particular area or space and territorio is used when referring to a defined geographical space.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of espacio is espacios.
How do you pronounce it?
/esˈpaθjo/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the phrase dar espacio can mean to give someone room to breathe or distance in a relationship, but dar tiempo is often used instead to mean giving someone 'space' to think.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the concept of 'personal space' is physically smaller than in English-speaking cultures, meaning espacio personal is often maintained at a closer distance during conversation.
- The word espacio comes from the Latin word spatium, which originally referred to a stretch of road or a distance of time.
Examples in context
- Deje usted un espacio.Leave a blank space.This sentence shows how to request that someone leave a blank espacio.Tatoeba #2267508 by cueyayotl, translation #2267507 by _undertoad
- ¿Hay vida en el espacio?Is there life in outer space?This sentence uses espacio to ask about life in outer space.Tatoeba #1488971 by marcelostockle, translation #1488106 by arnxy20
- Solo necesito mi espacio.I just need my own space.This sentence demonstrates the use of espacio when expressing a need for personal space.Tatoeba #2828904 by marcelostockle, translation #2372812 by CK
- Necesito más espacio en mi habitaciónI need more space in my room
- La NASA explora el espacioNASA explores space
- Hay un lugar de estacionamientoThere's a parking space
- Este es mi lugarThis is my space
- ¿Dónde está el espacio de estacionamiento?Where is the parking space?
- Hace falta más espacio en este apartamento.We need more space in this apartment.
- ¿Tienes espacio para una maleta más?Do you have room for one more suitcase?
- En el espacio no hay gravedad.There is no gravity in space.
- 109 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are arranging furniture in a room.
- MateoNo hay espacio para la mesa aquí.There is no space for the table here.
- SofíaPodemos mover el sofá un poco.We can move the sofa a little bit.
- MateoAhora sí queda un espacio pequeño.Now there is a small space left.
- SofíaPerfecto, ahí cabe la mesa.Perfect, the table fits there.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry espacio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries espacio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
