bóveda
/BOH-beh-dah/
vault
Bóveda refers to an architectural arched ceiling or vault.
📝 In Action
La catedral tiene una bóveda impresionante decorada con oro.
B1The cathedral has an impressive vault decorated with gold.
Caminamos bajo la bóveda de piedra del antiguo túnel.
B2We walked under the stone arch of the old tunnel.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender check
Even though it ends in 'a', just remember it's always feminine: 'la bóveda'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Don't confuse with 'boda'
Mistake: "Confusing 'bóveda' with 'boda'."
Correction: A 'boda' is a wedding; a 'bóveda' is a structural arch. They sound similar but are very different!
⭐ Usage Tips
Visualizing the word
Think of the word 'bow' (like a bow and arrow) or 'bowl'. It refers to that curved, overhead shape.
Bóveda can also mean a secure room or vault for money and valuables.
📝 In Action
El banco guarda el oro en una bóveda subterránea.
A2The bank keeps the gold in an underground vault.
Los ladrones no pudieron abrir la bóveda.
B1The thieves couldn't open the vault.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'en'
Usually, things are 'en la bóveda' (inside the vault).
⭐ Usage Tips
Action movies
If you are watching a heist movie in Spanish, you will hear this word constantly!
La bóveda celeste refers to the vault of heaven, depicting the sky as a canopy.
📝 In Action
Las estrellas brillaban en la bóveda celeste.
B2The stars were shining in the vault of heaven.
⭐ Usage Tips
Poetic flair
Use 'bóveda celeste' instead of 'cielo' if you want to sound more romantic or descriptive in your writing.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: bóveda
Question 1 of 2
Where would you most likely find a 'bóveda' in a modern city?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'bóveda' the same as a safe?
Not exactly. A 'caja fuerte' is a portable safe or a small box. A 'bóveda' is usually a large, walk-in room (a vault).
Can 'bóveda' be used for a grave?
Yes, in some Spanish-speaking countries, it can refer to a burial vault or a family tomb in a cemetery.