cielo raso
Lemma Details
Translation: ceiling; flat ceiling
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: The term 'cielo raso' combines 'cielo' (sky, heaven) and 'raso' (flat, smooth). 'Cielo' comes from Latin 'caelum' (sky, heaven), while 'raso' derives from Latin 'rasus', past participle of 'radere' (to scrape, shave). The compound term literally means 'flat sky', referring to the smooth, flat surface that forms the upper boundary of a room. The metaphorical connection between ceilings and the sky reflects how early architectural elements often mimicked natural features.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El cielo raso de la habitación necesita una nueva capa de pintura.
The ceiling of the room needs a new coat of paint.
El agua de la gotera ha manchado el cielo raso.
The water from the leak has stained the ceiling.
Instalaron luces empotradas en el cielo raso.
They installed recessed lights in the ceiling.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'cielo' (sky) as what you see when you look up outside, and 'cielo raso' as what you see when you look up inside.
- Imagine a 'razor' ('raso' sounds similar) making the sky ('cielo') flat and smooth like a ceiling.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish architecture, 'cielo raso' specifically refers to the flat, smooth ceiling that is common in modern construction, as opposed to vaulted or decorative ceilings found in historical buildings. The term is widely used in construction, real estate, and home improvement contexts throughout the Spanish-speaking world.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'techo' is a more general term for both ceiling and roof, 'cielo raso' specifically refers to a flat, smooth ceiling. 'Techo' can refer to any type of ceiling or roof structure.
Notes: In some regions, 'techo' is used more commonly than 'cielo raso' even when referring to interior ceilings.
Mnemonic: 'Cielo raso' is specifically the 'sky' inside your room - flat and smooth; 'techo' can be any covering over your head, inside or outside.
Explanation: 'Cielo' alone means 'sky' or 'heaven', while 'cielo raso' specifically refers to a flat ceiling.
Confused word:
El cielo está despejado hoy.
The sky is clear today.
Notes: The metaphorical connection between ceilings and the sky is common in many languages.
Mnemonic: When 'cielo' (sky) is 'raso' (flat/smooth), it's inside your house as a ceiling.