azulejos
/aθulexos/from spelling rules
The Spanish word for tiles is azulejos.
The word azulejos is most commonly used to refer specifically to decorative ceramic tiles used for walls, such as those found in kitchens or bathrooms.
Which one should you use?
While azulejos often refers to wall tiles, the word baldosas is more commonly used for floor tiles.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is azulejo.
How do you pronounce it?
/aθulexos/
Did you know?
- The word azulejo is a linguistic relative of the word for 'blue' in Spanish, azul. This is because early decorative tiles in the Iberian Peninsula were frequently glazed in deep blue hues.
- While azulejos are Spanish, the technique was heavily influenced by the Moors, who brought Islamic ceramic traditions to Spain. This created a unique style known as 'Mudéjar'.
- If you are looking for roof tiles specifically, you should not use azulejos but rather the word tejas. Using azulejos for a roof would suggest you are covering it in colorful decorative ceramics.
Examples in context
- Los azulejos en el baño están decorados con hermosos diseños.The tiles in the bathroom are decorated with beautiful designs.
- Las baldosas de la cocina son de cerámica.The tiles in the kitchen are ceramic.
- Tenemos unos azulejitos pintados a mano en nuestro patio.We have some hand-painted tiles in our backyard.
- Compré unas losetas para hacer un mosaico en la mesa.I bought some tiles to make a mosaic on the table.
- Los azulejos del baño son blancos.The bathroom tiles are white.
- Me gustan mucho estos azulejos azules.I really like these blue tiles.
- Tenemos que limpiar los azulejos de la cocina.We have to clean the kitchen tiles.
Example conversation
Javier and María are looking at a new kitchen renovation.
- Javier¿Qué te parecen los nuevos azulejos?What do you think of the new tiles?
- MaríaSon muy bonitos, Javier.They are very pretty, Javier.
- JavierSí, combinan bien con el suelo.Yes, they go well with the floor.
- MaríaElegiste unos azulejos excelentes.You chose excellent tiles.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
