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ascensor

ahs-sen-SORE/a.senˈsoɾ/

“ascensor” means “elevator” in Spanish (US English).

elevator, lift

Also: hoist
NounmA1
Mexico, Central America, parts of the Caribbean
A simple, colorful illustration showing an empty elevator car ascending inside a building shaft.

📝 In Action

El ascensor está averiado; tendremos que usar las escaleras.

A2

The elevator is broken; we will have to use the stairs.

¿Dónde está el ascensor para subir al quinto piso?

A1

Where is the lift to go up to the fifth floor?

Prefiero subir por el ascensor porque llevo mucho peso.

A2

I prefer to go up by the elevator because I am carrying a lot of weight.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • elevador (elevator (common in Latin America))
  • montacargas (freight elevator/goods lift)

Common Collocations

  • tomar el ascensor – to take the elevator
  • esperar el ascensor – to wait for the lift
  • el botón del ascensor – the elevator button

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "ascensor" in Spanish:

elevator→hoist→lift→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: ascensor

Question 1 of 1

If you are on the ground floor and want to go to the tenth floor without using the stairs, what should you take?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
ascender(to ascend; to go up) — Verb
ascensión(ascent; rise) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes from the verb 'ascender' (to ascend or go up), which itself originates from the Latin verb *ascendere*, meaning 'to climb up' or 'to mount.' The suffix '-sor' is used to form a noun describing the thing that performs the action.

First recorded: 19th century (as the mechanical device became common)

Cognates (Related words)

French: ascenseurPortuguese: ascensor

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I say 'to take the elevator' in Spanish?

The most common phrases are 'tomar el ascensor' or 'coger el ascensor.' In Latin America, 'tomar' is preferred, while in Spain, 'coger' is very common.

Is 'elevador' the same as 'ascensor'?

Yes, they mean the same thing (elevator/lift). 'Ascensor' is the standard term in Spain and many other places, but 'elevador' is frequently used, especially in Mexico and Central American countries.