hueco de la escalera
Lemma Details
Translation: stairwell; staircase opening; stair shaft
Part of Speech: noun phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines 'hueco' (hollow or gap) from Latin 'occus' (hollow) with 'escalera' (staircase) from Latin 'scalaria', derived from 'scala' (ladder). The construction literally describes the open vertical space around which stairs wind or the shaft through which stairs ascend in a building.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
La luz natural entra por el hueco de la escalera gracias a la claraboya.
Natural light enters through the stairwell thanks to the skylight.
El sonido resonaba por el hueco de la escalera.
The sound echoed through the stairwell.
Instalaron una red de seguridad en el hueco de la escalera para prevenir accidentes.
They installed a safety net in the stairwell to prevent accidents.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'hueco' as 'hollow' (they sound somewhat similar) and 'escalera' as 'escalator' - together they form the hollow space where stairs ascend.
- Visualize a spiral staircase with the empty space in the middle - that's the 'hueco de la escalera'.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
This term is commonly used in architectural and construction contexts in Spanish-speaking countries. In apartment buildings and multi-story homes, the 'hueco de la escalera' is an important architectural feature that affects building design and safety regulations.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'hueco de la escalera' refers specifically to the open vertical space or shaft, 'caja de escalera' can refer to the entire stairwell structure including walls.
Notes: In everyday speech, these terms may be used interchangeably in some regions.
Mnemonic: 'Hueco' focuses on the emptiness (the hole), while 'caja' (box) suggests the entire enclosed structure.