sótano
Lemma Details
Translation: basement; cellar; underground room
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Late Latin 'subtanum', derived from Latin 'subtus' meaning 'below' or 'underneath'. This shares the same Latin root as English words like 'subterranean'. The evolution from 'subtanum' to 'sótano' shows typical Spanish phonological changes where the 'b' was lost and the stress shifted to the first syllable.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think 'so-under' (sótano) for something that's underneath the main building.
- Associate with 'subterranean' which shares the Latin root 'sub' (below).
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, especially in urban areas, sótanos are common architectural features used for storage, parking, or as utility spaces. In some older buildings in Spain and Latin America, sótanos might be converted into bars or restaurants, creating unique cultural spaces.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'sótano' means 'basement', 'sotana' refers to a cassock or clerical robe worn by priests. They sound similar but have completely different meanings.
This word:
Bajamos al sótano para buscar las herramientas.
We went down to the basement to look for the tools.
Notes: The gender is different: 'el sótano' (masculine) vs 'la sotana' (feminine).
Mnemonic: 'Sótano' has an accent on the 'ó' and refers to a space below; 'sotana' has no accent and is worn by a person.
Explanation: 'Sótano' specifically refers to a basement or cellar (a room), while 'subsuelo' refers more generally to underground terrain or subsoil.
Confused word:
Hay agua en el subsuelo de esta región.
There is water in the subsoil of this region.
Notes: 'Subsuelo' is more technical and geological, while 'sótano' is an architectural feature.
Mnemonic: Think of 'sótano' as a contained space (room) and 'subsuelo' as the earth beneath (sub+suelo = under+ground).