Inklingo

How to Say "facility" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “facility” is “instalación” — use 'instalación' when referring to a specific place, building, or equipment put in place for a particular purpose, especially in a more formal or technical context like sports centers or public amenities.

instalaciónB1

Use 'instalación' when referring to a specific place, building, or equipment put in place for a particular purpose, especially in a more formal or technical context like sports centers or public amenities.

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centro🔊A2

Choose 'centro' for a general place or building where a specific activity happens, like a shopping center, community center, or a central hub for services.

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plantel🔊A2

Use 'plantel' specifically when referring to the physical buildings and grounds of an institution, such as a school or university.

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facilidad🔊A2

Use 'facilidad' to describe the quality of being easy or the skill with which someone does something, rather than a physical place.

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planta🔊B2

Select 'planta' when referring to a large industrial site or factory, especially one involved in manufacturing.

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English → Spanish

instalación

nounB1general
Use 'instalación' when referring to a specific place, building, or equipment put in place for a particular purpose, especially in a more formal or technical context like sports centers or public amenities.

Examples

El estadio cuenta con modernas instalaciones para los atletas.

The stadium has modern facilities for the athletes.

centro

SEN-troˈsen.tɾo

nounA2general
Choose 'centro' for a general place or building where a specific activity happens, like a shopping center, community center, or a central hub for services.
The main entrance facade of a large, modern shopping mall with many colorful window displays and a clean design.

Examples

El centro cultural ofrece clases de arte gratuitas.

The cultural center offers free art classes.

El centro comercial abre a las diez.

The shopping center opens at ten.

Necesito ir al centro de salud para una cita.

I need to go to the health center for an appointment.

Es un centro de investigación muy importante.

It's a very important research center.

plantel

plan-TELplanˈtel

nounA2general
Use 'plantel' specifically when referring to the physical buildings and grounds of an institution, such as a school or university.
A large brick school building with a green lawn and a few trees in front.

Examples

La universidad invierte en mejorar las instalaciones del plantel.

The university invests in improving the school facilities.

Los estudiantes deben cuidar las instalaciones del plantel.

Students must take care of the school facilities.

Hay tres planteles diferentes de esta universidad en la ciudad.

There are three different campuses of this university in the city.

El plantel educativo permanecerá cerrado por vacaciones.

The educational facility will remain closed for the holidays.

Regional Usage

In Mexico, 'plantel' is the standard way to refer to a specific physical school site or branch.

facilidad

fah-see-lee-dahdfasi.liˈðað

nounA2general
Use 'facilidad' to describe the quality of being easy or the skill with which someone does something, rather than a physical place.
A person smiling while effortlessly carrying a small, light box with one hand.

Examples

Aprendió a tocar la guitarra con gran facilidad.

He learned to play the guitar with great ease.

Ella resuelve los problemas de matemáticas con mucha facilidad.

She solves math problems with great ease.

Me sorprende la facilidad de este nuevo programa.

I'm surprised by the simplicity of this new program.

Feminine Ending Pattern

Words in Spanish that end in '-dad' are almost always feminine. This means you should use 'la' or 'una' with them (la facilidad).

Easy vs. Ease

Mistake: “Using 'fácil' when you need 'facilidad'.”

Correction: Use 'fácil' to describe a thing ('The test is easy'), but use 'facilidad' to describe the concept ('I passed with ease').

planta

PLAN-tahˈplan.ta

nounB2technical
Select 'planta' when referring to a large industrial site or factory, especially one involved in manufacturing.
A large, simplistic industrial factory building with several tall smokestacks emitting white smoke.

Examples

La planta de producción aumentó su eficiencia este trimestre.

The production plant increased its efficiency this quarter.

La planta automotriz cerrará temporalmente por mantenimiento.

The automotive plant will close temporarily for maintenance.

Trabajan en una planta que produce componentes electrónicos.

They work at a factory that produces electronic components.

Context is Key

When talking about business or industry, 'planta' almost always means a manufacturing site, not a potted plant.

Place vs. Skill

The most common mistake is confusing 'instalación'/'centro'/'plantel' (all referring to physical places) with 'facilidad' (which means ease or skill). Remember, if you're talking about a building or equipment, use a word like 'instalación' or 'centro'; if you mean how easily something is done, use 'facilidad'.

Related Translations

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