Inklingo
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interior

/een-teh-ryor/

inner

A cross-section of a bright red apple showing its core, seeds, and the white flesh surrounding the core.

Depicting the 'inner' part of an object.

interior(Adjective)

m/fA1

inner

?

describing a part of something

Also:

internal

?

in science or anatomy

,

inside

?

located on the inside

📝 In Action

La pared interior es de color blanco.

A1

The inner wall is white.

Necesitas un permiso para acceder a la zona interior del edificio.

A2

You need permission to access the interior zone of the building.

El motor tiene un problema interior.

B1

The engine has an internal problem.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • interno (internal)
  • íntimo (intimate)

Antonyms

  • exterior (outer/outside)
  • externo (external)

Common Collocations

  • diseño interior – interior design
  • vuelo interior – domestic flight (in some countries)

💡 Grammar Points

Always follows the noun

Unlike English, where 'inner' usually comes first, in Spanish, 'interior' almost always comes after the thing it describes (la pared interior).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing placement

Mistake: "La interior pared."

Correction: La pared interior. 'Interior' functions as a descriptive word here, placed after the noun.

⭐ Usage Tips

Consistency

Since 'interior' ends in 'r', it doesn't change based on the gender of the noun (masculine or feminine), only number (interior/interiores).

A simple, brightly lit living room interior with a small wooden table, a comfortable armchair, and a potted plant near a window.

Illustrating the 'inside' of a physical space.

interior(Noun)

mA2

inside

?

physical space

,

interior

?

the structure of a space

Also:

countryside/upstate

?

often 'el interior' meaning away from the coast/capital

📝 In Action

El interior de la caja estaba vacío.

A2

The inside of the box was empty.

Vamos a viajar al interior para visitar pueblos pequeños.

B1

We are going to travel inland (to the interior) to visit small towns.

Hacía frío en el exterior, pero el interior del cine era cálido.

A2

It was cold outside, but the inside of the movie theater was warm.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • el interior del país – the heartland/inland of the country
  • en el interior – inside / indoors

💡 Grammar Points

The article 'el'

When used as a noun meaning 'the inside,' it always requires the masculine definite article 'el' (el interior).

⭐ Usage Tips

Inland Travel

In many Spanish-speaking countries, traveling to 'el interior' means leaving the capital or coastal area to visit the central, less urbanized regions.

A simple silhouette of a human head and shoulders, shown in profile. Inside the chest cavity, a brightly glowing, warm yellow light source is visible, symbolizing the inner self.

Representing the 'inner self' or personal emotions.

interior(Noun)

mB2

inner self

?

emotions and character

Also:

soul

?

poetic or spiritual sense

📝 In Action

Debes escuchar lo que dice tu interior.

B2

You must listen to what your inner self says (your conscience).

Su alegría venía de lo más profundo de su interior.

C1

Her joy came from the deepest part of her being.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • mundo interior – inner world
  • luchar en su interior – to fight within oneself

💡 Grammar Points

Abstract Usage

This meaning refers to an abstract mental or emotional space, often used with verbs related to reflection, feeling, or struggle.

⭐ Usage Tips

Literary Context

You will often encounter this meaning in books, poetry, or psychological discussions rather than everyday conversation.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: interior

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'interior' as an adjective describing a physical space?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

dentro(inside (adverb)) - adverb
internar(to admit/to confine) - verb

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'interior' masculine or feminine?

As a noun, 'interior' is masculine ('el interior'). As an adjective, it always stays the same regardless of the noun's gender ('la pared interior,' 'el muro interior').

How is 'interior' different from 'dentro'?

'Dentro' is usually an adverb meaning 'inside' (Vamos dentro – Let's go inside). 'Interior' is usually an adjective (la pared interior – the inner wall) or a noun (el interior – the inside space).