escritorio
“escritorio” means “desk” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
desk
Also: writing table
📝 In Action
Mi nuevo escritorio tiene tres cajones grandes.
A1My new desk has three large drawers.
Dejé las llaves encima del escritorio.
A1I left the keys on top of the desk.
desktop
📝 In Action
El icono de la aplicación está en el escritorio.
A2The application icon is on the desktop.
Necesito cambiar el fondo de mi escritorio.
A2I need to change my desktop background.
office
Also: bureau
📝 In Action
El director tiene su escritorio en el piso superior.
B1The director has his office on the top floor.
Debes dirigirte al escritorio de atención al cliente.
B2You should go to the customer service office (or bureau).
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: escritorio
Question 1 of 2
Which English word is NOT a correct translation for 'escritorio'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Latin root *scriptorium*, which was a place dedicated to writing, especially in monasteries. It is built on the Spanish verb 'escribir' (to write), making it literally 'a place for writing.'
First recorded: Medieval Spanish (13th-14th century)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'escritorio' and 'mesa'?
'Mesa' is a general term for 'table,' usually used for eating or general use. 'Escritorio' is specific: it’s a 'desk,' designed and used primarily for writing, working, or using a computer.
How do I know if 'escritorio' means the desk or the computer desktop?
The context usually makes it clear. If you use verbs like 'guardar' (to save) or 'descargar' (to download), you are talking about the computer desktop. If you use verbs like 'sentarse' (to sit) or 'limpiar' (to clean the surface), you mean the furniture.