residencia
Lemma Details
Translation: residence; home; housing; dormitory; hall of residence
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Latin 'residentia', derived from 'residere' meaning 'to remain behind, to stay'. The Latin root 'sedere' means 'to sit', which is also found in English words like 'sedentary' and 'session'. The prefix 're-' indicates 'back' or 'again', suggesting the idea of settling back or remaining in a place. The English cognate 'residence' follows the same etymological path.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 90%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Mi residencia está en Madrid, pero trabajo en Barcelona.
My residence is in Madrid, but I work in Barcelona.
Durante la universidad, viví en una residencia de estudiantes.
During university, I lived in a student dormitory.
Necesito un certificado de residencia para solicitar el permiso.
I need a certificate of residence to apply for the permit.
Su abuela vive en una residencia de ancianos desde hace dos años.
His grandmother has been living in a nursing home for two years.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'reside' + '-encia' (a common Spanish noun ending) = where you reside
- Sounds like 'residence' in English - they mean the same thing
- Think of 'president' - the White House is the presidential residence
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Spain, 'residencia' often refers to university dormitories or halls of residence for students. It can also refer to nursing homes for the elderly ('residencia de ancianos'). In administrative contexts, it refers to one's official place of residence, which is important for tax purposes and official documentation.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Residencia' refers to a place where someone lives, while 'resistencia' means 'resistance' or 'opposition'.
This word:
Cambié mi residencia a Barcelona el año pasado.
I changed my residence to Barcelona last year.
Confused word:
La resistencia al cambio es común en las organizaciones.
Resistance to change is common in organizations.
Notes: The spelling difference is subtle - just one letter ('s' vs 'd'), but the meanings are completely different.
Mnemonic: 'Residencia' has 'reside' in it (where you live), while 'resistencia' has 'resist' (to oppose).
Explanation: 'Residencia' is a place where someone lives, while 'presidente' is a person who presides over an organization or country.
Notes: These words are related etymologically but have distinct meanings and uses.
Mnemonic: Both words share the Latin root 'sedere' (to sit), but 'presidente' is a person who 'sits before' others (pre-side), while 'residencia' is where you 'sit back' or remain (re-side).