How to Say "building" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “building” is “edificio” — use 'edificio' for any standalone structure with walls and a roof, like a house, office block, or apartment complex.
edificio
e-di-FI-sioe.ðiˈfi.sjo
Examples
El edificio de oficinas tiene veinte pisos.
The office building has twenty floors.
Trabajo en el edificio más alto de la ciudad.
I work in the tallest building in the city.
Mi apartamento está en un edificio antiguo.
My apartment is in an old building.
La construcción del nuevo edificio de oficinas tomará dos años.
The construction of the new office building will take two years.
Always Masculine
Like most Spanish words ending in '-o', 'edificio' is a masculine word. This means you'll always use masculine articles like 'el' (the) and 'un' (a/an) with it. For example, 'el edificio' or 'un edificio grande'.
'Edificio' vs. 'Casa'
Mistake: “Vivo en un edificio con mi familia.”
Correction: This is okay if you live in an apartment, but if you mean a 'house', the word is 'casa'. Use 'casa' for a house and 'edificio' for a larger building, often with multiple units or offices.
construcción
Examples
La construcción del nuevo metro avanzó rápidamente.
The construction of the new subway advanced quickly.
construyendo
kons-tru-YEN-dohkonstɾuˈʝendo
Examples
Los vecinos están construyendo una piscina comunitaria.
The neighbors are building a community pool.
Están construyendo un nuevo puente sobre el río.
They are building a new bridge over the river.
Mi padre ha estado construyendo una casa en el campo durante años.
My father has been constructing a house in the countryside for years.
Si seguimos construyendo con ladrillos, terminaremos pronto.
If we keep building with bricks, we will finish soon.
The Gerund's Main Job
The word 'construyendo' is the '-ing' form in Spanish. Its main use is to show an action happening right now, usually by pairing it with a form of the verb 'estar' (to be). Example: 'Estamos construyendo' (We are building).
The 'Y' Spelling Rule
The base verb 'construir' has an 'i' right before the '-endo' ending. When this happens, Spanish often changes the 'i' to a 'y' to make the sound flow better: 'construiendo' becomes 'construyendo'.
Dropping the 'Y'
Mistake: “Estamos construiendo.”
Correction: Estamos construyendo. The 'y' is essential here because the vowel sound is strong.
inmueble
in-MWE-blayinˈmweβle
Examples
Compraron un inmueble en el centro de la ciudad.
They bought a property in the city center.
Estamos buscando un inmueble para abrir nuestra oficina.
We are looking for a property to open our office.
El valor de los inmuebles en esta zona ha subido mucho.
The value of buildings in this area has gone up a lot.
Ella heredó un inmueble histórico en el centro de la ciudad.
She inherited a historic building in the city center.
Always Masculine
Even if the word refers to a house (la casa), 'inmueble' is always masculine. You must use 'el' or 'un'.
Physical vs Concept
Use 'inmueble' when talking about the physical building or structure, rather than just the abstract idea of ownership.
Don't confuse with furniture
Mistake: “Compré un inmueble para sentarme.”
Correction: Compré un mueble para sentarme. 'Inmueble' means a building that cannot move, while 'mueble' is furniture.
Examples
Vivo en una finca antigua con mucho encanto.
I live in an old apartment building with a lot of charm.
constructor
kohn-strook-TOHRkonstɾukˈtoɾ
Examples
Su actitud positiva tiene un efecto constructor.
His positive attitude has a constructive effect.
Tiene un espíritu constructor muy fuerte.
He has a very strong constructive spirit.
Su papel constructor en la comunidad es admirado por todos.
His constructive role in the community is admired by everyone.
Buscamos un diálogo constructor para resolver el problema.
We are looking for a constructive dialogue to solve the problem.
Adjective Agreement
As an adjective, 'constructor' must match the person or thing it describes. Use 'constructor' for masculine (un hombre constructor) and 'constructora' for feminine (una idea constructora).
Position of the Adjective
When used as an adjective meaning 'constructive,' it almost always comes AFTER the noun it describes.
Constructivo vs. Constructor
Mistake: “Using 'constructor' when you mean 'constructive' in a casual way (like 'constructive criticism').”
Correction: For 'constructive criticism,' Spanish prefers the word 'constructiva' (una crítica constructiva). 'Constructor' as an adjective is more about the act of building or creating something from scratch.
Edificio vs. Construcción
Related Translations
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