salón

/sah-LOHN/

living room

Salón can mean 'living room,' the main gathering space in a home.

salón(noun)

mA1

living room

main room in a house

lounge

in a hotel or building

Also:

drawing room

formal or older usage

📝 In Action

Vamos al salón para ver la película.

Let's go to the living room to watch the movie.

Mi abuela siempre tiene flores frescas en el salón.

My grandmother always has fresh flowers in the living room.

Word Connections

Synonyms

sala (living room (often smaller or more general))
estancia (room/stay (often formal))

Common Collocations

sofá del salón – living room sofa
muebles del salón – living room furniture

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Reminder

Even though it ends in '-ón', remember that 'salón' is a masculine noun, so you always use 'el' (el salón).

⭐ Usage Tips

Salón vs. Sala

While often interchangeable, 'salón' sometimes implies a larger or more formal main room, whereas 'sala' can refer to any general room or a smaller living area.

A large, elegant, empty hall with high ceilings, tall arched windows, and a polished floor, suitable for a large event.

When referring to a large event space, salón translates to 'hall.'

salón(noun)

mB1

hall

large room for meetings or events

ballroom

for dancing or formal events

Also:

parlor

as in 'beauty parlor' or 'hair salon'

venue

event space

📝 In Action

La conferencia se celebró en el salón principal del hotel.

The conference was held in the main hall of the hotel.

Necesito una cita en el salón de belleza.

I need an appointment at the beauty parlor (or hair salon).

Word Connections

Synonyms

local (premises/venue)
recinto (enclosure/venue)

Common Collocations

salón de eventos – event hall
salón de actos – assembly hall
salón de baile – ballroom/dance hall

💡 Grammar Points

Compound Nouns

When 'salón' is used to name a business (like 'salón de belleza'), the combination acts like a single compound noun describing the type of service.

A bright, tidy classroom with rows of small wooden desks facing a chalkboard mounted on the wall.

Another meaning of salón is 'classroom,' the room where educational classes take place.

salón(noun)

mA2

classroom

room where classes are held

📝 In Action

El examen será en el salón número cinco.

The exam will be in classroom number five.

El profesor entró tarde al salón.

The teacher entered the classroom late.

Word Connections

Synonyms

aula (classroom (feminine, commonly used in Spain))
clase (class/classroom)

Common Collocations

salón de clases – classroom

❌ Common Pitfalls

Mixing up 'salón' and 'aula'

Mistake: "Using 'la salón' (incorrect gender based on regional preference)."

Correction: Remember 'salón' is masculine ('el salón') regardless of whether you use it or the feminine 'el aula' (which requires 'el' because it starts with a stressed 'a').

⭐ Usage Tips

Regional Preference

In many parts of Latin America (especially Mexico and Central America), 'salón' is the standard way to say 'classroom.' In Spain, 'aula' is more frequently heard.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: salón

Question 1 of 2

Which English translation is NOT a common meaning of 'salón'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

sala(room/living room) - noun

saloncito(small living room (diminutive)) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'salón' masculine or feminine?

Salón is always masculine. You must use 'el salón' or 'un salón'.

What is the difference between 'salón' and 'sala'?

'Salón' usually suggests a larger, main room, or a place dedicated to a specific activity (like a beauty salon or dance hall). 'Sala' is often used interchangeably for 'living room,' but can also mean a smaller, more general room.