techo
Wordform Details
Translation: roofceiling
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
masculinesingularIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma Details
Translation: ceiling; roof; upper limit
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Latin 'tectum' meaning 'roof' or 'covering', which derives from the verb 'tegere' meaning 'to cover'. This Latin root also gave English words like 'protect' (to cover from danger), 'detect' (to uncover), and 'architect' (chief builder, one who designs coverings/structures). The evolution from Latin 'tectum' to Spanish 'techo' shows a common sound change pattern in Spanish where the 'ct' cluster simplified to 'ch'.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El techo de la casa es de tejas rojas.
The roof of the house is made of red tiles.
Pintamos el techo de blanco para que la habitación parezca más luminosa.
We painted the ceiling white to make the room look brighter.
El gobierno estableció un techo para los precios de alquiler.
The government established a ceiling for rental prices.
Vivimos bajo el mismo techo durante cinco años.
We lived under the same roof for five years.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'technology' that protects you - a 'tech' roof ('techo') over your head.
- Imagine a 'tech show' happening on a roof - 'tech-o'.
- Remember the Latin 'tectum' (covering) - what 'techs' you from rain is your 'techo'.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, especially in Latin America, 'techo' has gained additional significance through organizations like 'Un Techo para mi País' (A Roof for my Country), which works to provide housing for impoverished communities. The concept of having a roof over one's head ('tener un techo') is culturally significant as a basic human need and right.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Techo' refers to the entire roof or ceiling structure, while 'teja' specifically means 'roof tile', the individual pieces that cover a roof.
Confused word:
Las tejas rojas son típicas en esta región.
Red roof tiles are typical in this region.
Notes: In construction contexts, you might often hear both words used together, as in 'un techo de tejas' (a roof made of tiles).
Mnemonic: 'Techo' covers the whole structure (like 'technology' covers many fields), while 'teja' is just one tile (think 'teja' as a 'tag' or small piece).
Explanation: 'Techo' is a Spanish noun meaning 'roof' or 'ceiling', while 'tech' is an English abbreviation for 'technology' that might be used in Spanglish contexts but is not a standard Spanish word.
This word:
Necesitamos reparar el techo antes de que llueva.
We need to repair the roof before it rains.
Notes: The similarity in pronunciation can cause confusion for English speakers learning Spanish, especially in contexts where both construction and technology might be discussed.
Mnemonic: 'Techo' ends with 'o', which you can imagine as the circular shape of a roof seen from below, while 'tech' is short and abrupt like technology that's constantly changing.