planta baja
Lemma Details
Translation: ground floor; first floor (US)
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Composed of 'planta' (floor, level) and 'baja' (low). 'Planta' comes from Latin 'planta' (sole of the foot, seedling), while 'baja' derives from Latin 'bassus' (low, short). The term literally means 'low floor' and refers to the floor at ground level, contrasting with the American English system where this is called the 'first floor'.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Vivimos en la planta baja, así que no necesitamos usar el ascensor.
We live on the ground floor, so we don't need to use the elevator.
La recepción se encuentra en la planta baja.
The reception desk is located on the ground floor.
El restaurante está en la planta baja del hotel.
The restaurant is on the ground floor of the hotel.
Mnemonics
- 'Planta baja' = 'low plant/floor' - imagine a plant growing at ground level.
- Think of 'baja' as 'base' - the base floor of a building.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spain and most Spanish-speaking countries, floor numbering differs from the US system. The 'planta baja' is the ground level (what Americans call the 'first floor'), while the 'primer piso' is what Americans would call the 'second floor'. This can cause confusion for travelers and is an important cultural distinction to understand.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: In Spain, 'primer piso' refers to the floor above the ground floor (what Americans call the second floor), while 'planta baja' is the ground floor. However, in some Latin American countries, 'primer piso' can sometimes refer to the ground floor.
Confused word:
Mi apartamento está en el primer piso.
My apartment is on the first floor (second floor in US).
Notes: Floor numbering systems differ between Spanish-speaking countries and the US, which can cause confusion for travelers.
Mnemonic: Planta Baja = Base level, Primer Piso = one step up
Explanation: 'Planta' alone can refer to a plant (vegetation), a factory/plant, or a floor/level in a building. 'Planta baja' specifically refers to the ground floor.
Notes: The word 'planta' has multiple meanings in Spanish, so context is important.
Mnemonic: 'Planta baja' has 'baja' (low) to specify it's the lowest floor.