Inklingo
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laboratorio

/lah-boh-rah-TOH-ree-oh/

laboratory

A storybook illustration of a clean, brightly lit laboratory counter featuring various glass beakers filled with colorful liquids and a small microscope.

A laboratorio is a place for scientific research and testing, often filled with specialized equipment like beakers and microscopes.

laboratorio(noun)

mA1

laboratory

?

a place for scientific research or testing

Also:

lab

?

informal short form

,

research facility

?

formal context

📝 In Action

El científico pasó horas en el laboratorio analizando las muestras.

A2

The scientist spent hours in the laboratory analyzing the samples.

Necesitamos un laboratorio para hacer esta prueba de agua.

A1

We need a lab to do this water test.

Mi universidad acaba de inaugurar un nuevo laboratorio de física.

B1

My university just inaugurated a new physics laboratory.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • laboratorio de ideas (think tank)
  • taller (workshop (sometimes used for a practical lab))

Common Collocations

  • pruebas de laboratorio – lab tests
  • analizar en el laboratorio – to analyze in the lab

💡 Grammar Points

Masculine Noun Rule

Even though it ends in '-o', Spanish speakers always use the masculine article 'el' (or 'un') with 'laboratorio'. Remember: 'el laboratorio'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Pronunciation Stress

Mistake: "Accenting the third syllable: /la.bo.ra.TO.rio/"

Correction: The stress is on the second to last syllable: /la.bo.ra.TO-ri-o/ (lah-boh-rah-TOH-ree-oh).

⭐ Usage Tips

Short Form

In casual conversation, especially in Latin America, you might hear the shortened version 'el lab' (pronounced like the English word 'lab').

A storybook illustration of a simple wooden workbench where a small, brightly colored wooden toy car prototype is being tested by rolling it down a miniature wooden ramp.

This definition of laboratorio refers to a testing ground or environment where new ideas or products, like a prototype car, are tried out.

laboratorio(noun)

mB2

testing ground

?

a place where new ideas, policies, or products are tried out

Also:

workshop

?

for creative ideas or planning

,

incubator

?

place where new things are developed

📝 In Action

Esta pequeña ciudad se convirtió en un laboratorio de políticas sociales innovadoras.

B2

This small city became a testing ground for innovative social policies.

Su oficina es un laboratorio donde experimenta con nuevas estrategias de marketing.

C1

His office is a workshop where he experiments with new marketing strategies.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • campo de pruebas (proving ground)
  • semillero (seedbed (of ideas))

Common Collocations

  • laboratorio de ideas – think tank
  • laboratorio social – social experiment/testing environment

💡 Grammar Points

Figurative Use

When used figuratively, it emphasizes the process of careful, controlled experimentation, often implying that something is new or risky.

⭐ Usage Tips

Context Clues

If the sentence doesn't mention science or research tools (like beakers or microscopes), it is likely using 'laboratorio' in this figurative sense.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: laboratorio

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'laboratorio' in its figurative sense (testing ground)?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

laborar(to work/to toil) - verb
labor(work/task) - noun
laboralista(labor lawyer/specialist) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'laboratorio' masculine or feminine?

It is always masculine. You must use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el laboratorio'.

Can I use 'laboratorio' to mean a general workshop or studio?

Yes, especially in formal or artistic contexts. For example, a chef might call their kitchen a 'laboratorio gastronómico' (gastronomic workshop) to emphasize creativity and experimentation.