suelo
“suelo” means “floor” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
floor, ground
Also: soil
📝 In Action
El gato está durmiendo en el suelo.
A1The cat is sleeping on the floor.
Ten cuidado, el suelo está mojado por la lluvia.
A2Be careful, the ground is wet from the rain.
Este tipo de suelo es perfecto para cultivar tomates.
B1This type of soil is perfect for growing tomatoes.
I usually, I tend to
📝 In Action
Suelo levantarme a las siete de la mañana.
A2I usually get up at seven in the morning.
En invierno, suelo leer más libros.
B1In winter, I tend to read more books.
No suelo cenar muy tarde.
A2I don't usually have dinner very late.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
🔀 Commonly Confused With
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: suelo
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'suelo' to talk about a habit?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word 'suelo' has two completely different origins. As a noun for 'floor' or 'ground', it comes from the Latin word `solum`, meaning 'bottom' or 'foundation'. As the verb form 'I usually', it comes from a different Latin word, `solēre`, which means 'to be accustomed'. It's a fun coincidence that they ended up looking and sounding the same!
First recorded: Around the 10th century.
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between 'suelo' and 'piso' for 'floor'?
Think of 'suelo' as the surface you walk on. 'Piso' can also mean that, but it's often used to talk about a whole level of a building or an apartment itself. You'd say 'Mi apartamento está en el segundo piso' (My apartment is on the second floor), not 'segundo suelo'.
Can I just say 'usualmente' instead of using the verb 'soler'?
Yes, you can! For example, 'Usualmente me levanto temprano' is perfectly correct. However, using 'Suelo levantarme temprano' is very common and can make your Spanish sound more natural and less like a direct translation from English.