Inklingo

How to Say "laboratory" in Spanish

English → Spanish

laboratorio

/lah-boh-rah-TOH-ree-oh//la.βo.ɾaˈto.ɾjo/

nounA1general
Use 'laboratorio' when referring to a place specifically designed for scientific research, experiments, or testing, such as in a school, hospital, or research facility.
A storybook illustration of a clean, brightly lit laboratory counter featuring various glass beakers filled with colorful liquids and a small microscope.

Examples

El científico pasó horas en el laboratorio analizando las muestras.

The scientist spent hours in the laboratory analyzing the samples.

Necesitamos un laboratorio para hacer esta prueba de agua.

We need a lab to do this water test.

Mi universidad acaba de inaugurar un nuevo laboratorio de física.

My university just inaugurated a new physics laboratory.

Masculine Noun Rule

Even though it ends in '-o', Spanish speakers always use the masculine article 'el' (or 'un') with 'laboratorio'. Remember: 'el laboratorio'.

Pronunciation Stress

Mistake:Accenting the third syllable: /la.bo.ra.TO.rio/

Correction: The stress is on the second to last syllable: /la.bo.ra.TO-ri-o/ (lah-boh-rah-TOH-ree-oh).

gabinete

/gah-bee-neh-teh//ɡaβiˈnete/

nounB1formal
Use 'gabinete' to describe a private office or a specialized workspace within a professional setting, like a doctor's or dentist's office, rather than a scientific research facility.
A clean, professional dentist's office with a reclining chair and medical equipment.

Examples

El dentista me espera en su gabinete.

The dentist is waiting for me in his office.

Tiene un gabinete de prensa muy eficiente.

He has a very efficient press office.

Professional Space

Use 'gabinete' instead of 'oficina' when talking about a specialized room where a professional (like a doctor or researcher) works.

Laboratorio vs. Gabinete

The main confusion arises when learners use 'gabinete' for scientific settings or 'laboratorio' for a professional's private office. Remember, 'laboratorio' is for science, while 'gabinete' is for a professional's workspace or office.

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