hueco del ascensor
Lemma Details
Translation: elevator shaft; lift shaft
Part of Speech: noun phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines 'hueco' (hollow, gap, cavity) from Latin 'occus' (hollow) with 'ascensor' (elevator, lift) which comes from Latin 'ascendere' meaning 'to climb or rise'. The term literally describes the hollow vertical space through which an elevator travels in a building.
Commonality: 40%
Guessability: 50%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El técnico tuvo que inspeccionar el hueco del ascensor para encontrar el problema.
The technician had to inspect the elevator shaft to find the problem.
Por razones de seguridad, la puerta que da acceso al hueco del ascensor debe permanecer cerrada.
For safety reasons, the door that gives access to the elevator shaft must remain closed.
La instalación del nuevo ascensor requirió ampliar el hueco del ascensor existente.
The installation of the new elevator required expanding the existing elevator shaft.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'hueco' as 'hollow' and 'ascensor' as 'ascend' - the hollow space through which something ascends.
- Visualize an empty vertical tunnel ('hueco') that allows an elevator ('ascensor') to move up and down.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
This term is primarily used in architectural, construction, and building maintenance contexts. It's a technical term that most Spanish speakers would recognize but might not use in everyday conversation unless discussing building features or safety.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'hueco del ascensor' refers to the entire vertical shaft through which an elevator travels, 'pozo del ascensor' specifically refers to the pit or bottom part of the elevator shaft below the lowest landing.
Confused word:
El pozo del ascensor debe tener suficiente profundidad para los amortiguadores.
The elevator pit must be deep enough for the buffers.
Notes: In construction documents, both terms appear but refer to different parts of the elevator system.
Mnemonic: Think of 'hueco' as the whole hollow space and 'pozo' (well) as just the bottom part where something could collect.
Explanation: Both are vertical passages in buildings, but 'hueco del ascensor' is for elevators while 'hueco de la escalera' is the open space in the middle of a spiral or winding staircase.
Confused word:
El hueco de la escalera permite ver todos los pisos desde abajo.
The stairwell allows you to see all floors from below.
Notes: Both are architectural features that create vertical continuity in buildings.
Mnemonic: Associate 'ascensor' with vertical movement in a confined space, and 'escalera' with a more open spiral space.