vivienda
Lemma Details
Translation: housing; dwelling; home; residence; accommodation
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Derived from the verb 'vivir' (to live) with the suffix '-ienda' which forms nouns indicating a place or action. It comes from Latin 'vivenda', the gerundive form of 'vivere' (to live). The English cognate 'vivid' shares the same Latin root, both relating to life and living. The suffix '-ienda' is similar to the English '-ence' in words like 'residence'.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Busco una vivienda cerca del centro.
I'm looking for housing near downtown.
El gobierno ha prometido construir más viviendas asequibles.
The government has promised to build more affordable housing.
Esta vivienda tiene tres dormitorios y dos baños.
This dwelling has three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
El precio de la vivienda ha subido mucho en los últimos años.
Housing prices have risen significantly in recent years.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'vivi-' as in 'vivid' or 'vivacious' (related to life) and '-enda' as in 'agenda' (a plan) – a vivienda is where you plan to live your life.
- Connect it to 'vivir' (to live) + '-ienda' (place) = 'place to live'.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spain and Latin America, 'vivienda' is often used in official contexts like government programs and real estate. Housing is a significant social issue in many Spanish-speaking countries, with terms like 'vivienda digna' (decent housing) appearing in political discourse and even constitutional rights.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'vivienda' refers to a physical dwelling or housing, 'vivencia' refers to a life experience or personal experience.
This word:
Compramos una vivienda en las afueras de la ciudad.
We bought a house in the outskirts of the city.
Confused word:
Esa vivencia cambió mi forma de ver el mundo.
That experience changed my way of seeing the world.
Notes: Both words derive from 'vivir' (to live) but refer to different aspects of living: physical space versus lived experience.
Mnemonic: 'Vivienda' ends with '-enda' like 'hacienda' (estate/property), while 'vivencia' ends with '-encia' like 'experience'.
Explanation: 'Vivienda' is the physical dwelling, while 'convivencia' refers to coexistence or living together harmoniously.
Confused word:
La convivencia entre diferentes culturas enriquece a la sociedad.
The coexistence of different cultures enriches society.
Notes: Both relate to living but in different senses: 'vivienda' is the physical space, 'convivencia' is the social dynamic.
Mnemonic: 'Con-' means 'with', so 'convivencia' is about living with others, while 'vivienda' is just the place itself.