Inklingo

How to Say "facilities" in Spanish

English → Spanish

instalaciones

in-stah-lah-SYOH-nesinstalaˈsjones

NounB1general
Use 'instalaciones' to refer to the physical structures, equipment, or systems of a place, like a building or a sports complex.
A simple, colorful illustration depicting a small, functional facility, showing a main building structure connected to large, clearly visible pipes and storage tanks.

Examples

Las instalaciones del hotel incluyen una piscina y un gimnasio.

The hotel facilities include a swimming pool and a gym.

Las instalaciones del hospital son de primera clase.

The hospital facilities are first-class.

Necesitamos revisar las instalaciones eléctricas antes de abrir la tienda.

We need to check the electrical installations (system) before opening the store.

El club deportivo tiene muy buenas instalaciones para nadar.

The sports club has very good swimming facilities.

Always Plural

Even when you mean 'a facility' in English, Spanish usually uses the plural form 'instalaciones' to refer to the whole setup or complex.

Using the Singular

Mistake:La instalación del hotel es grande.

Correction: Las instalaciones del hotel son grandes. (Use the plural when referring to the physical space or amenities.)

equipamiento

eh-kee-pah-myehn-tohekipaˈmjento

nounB2general
Use 'equipamiento' when talking about public buildings or services available in an area, focusing on the services provided.
A colorful public park with a playground, a bench, and a small community library building.

Examples

El barrio tiene buenos equipamientos culturales como bibliotecas y teatros.

The neighborhood has good cultural facilities like libraries and theaters.

Estamos invirtiendo en el equipamiento urbano de la ciudad.

We are investing in the city's urban infrastructure.

Falta equipamiento social en esta zona rural.

There is a lack of social facilities in this rural area.

Using the Plural

When talking about buildings or public services, it is very common to use the plural 'equipamientos' to refer to a variety of different places (parks, schools, etc.).

The 'Action' meaning

This word can also describe the act of providing equipment to a place, though this is less common in conversation than just referring to the things themselves.

Facilidad vs. Equipamiento

Mistake:La ciudad tiene muchas facilidades.

Correction: La ciudad tiene muchos equipamientos (o servicios).

facilidad

fah-see-lee-dahdfasi.liˈðað

nounB2general
Use 'facilidad' to refer to amenities, resources, or advantageous conditions offered, often in a financial or service context.
A hand placing a single gold coin into a small piggy bank next to a new bicycle.

Examples

El banco nos dio facilidades para pagar el préstamo.

The bank gave us easy terms/a plan to pay the loan.

La universidad ofrece muchas facilidades a sus estudiantes.

The university provides many facilities/resources for its students.

False Friend Alert

Mistake:Using 'facilidad' to mean a building (like a factory).

Correction: In English, 'facility' can mean a building. In Spanish, use 'instalaciones' for buildings or 'planta' for a factory. 'Facilidad' is mostly about the concept of ease or the resources provided.

Instalaciones vs. Equipamiento

Learners often confuse 'instalaciones' and 'equipamiento'. Remember that 'instalaciones' refers to the physical structures or equipment itself, while 'equipamiento' emphasizes the public services or buildings available in a location.

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