Inklingo

How to Say "premises" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “premises” is “establecimiento” — use 'establecimiento' for the general physical location or a business establishment, especially when focusing on its operational aspect.

English → Spanish

establecimiento

es-tah-bleh-see-myehn-tohestaβlesiˈmjento

nounA2general
Use 'establecimiento' for the general physical location or a business establishment, especially when focusing on its operational aspect.
A small, charming storefront with a colorful awning and large glass windows.

Examples

Este establecimiento está abierto las veinticuatro horas.

This establishment is open twenty-four hours a day.

No se permite fumar dentro del establecimiento.

Smoking is not allowed inside the establishment.

Es un establecimiento familiar fundado en 1950.

It is a family business founded in 1950.

Always Masculine

Even though it refers to a shop (una tienda), the word itself is masculine. Always use 'el' or 'un'.

A Formal Alternative

Use this word when you want to sound more professional than just saying 'tienda' (shop) or 'restaurante'.

Confusing with 'The Establishment'

Mistake: “Using it to mean 'the people in power' like in English politics.”

Correction: In Spanish, use 'el sistema' or 'el poder establecido' for that political concept.

local

lo-CALloˈkal

nounA1commercial
Use 'local' when referring specifically to a rented or owned commercial space, like a shop or office, often before it's set up.
A simple illustration of a brightly colored commercial shop building with a large window and a welcoming entrance.

Examples

Alquilamos un local muy grande para poner la panadería.

We rented a very large premises/space to set up the bakery.

El local donde se celebró la fiesta era precioso.

The venue where the party was held was beautiful.

Busco un local comercial en el centro de la ciudad.

I am looking for a commercial premises in the city center.

Always Masculine

When referring to a commercial space or venue, 'local' is always masculine: 'el local', 'los locales'.

instalaciones

in-stah-lah-SYOH-nesinstalaˈsjones

nounB1formal
Use 'instalaciones' (plural) to refer to the physical buildings, grounds, and amenities of a larger institution or business.
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 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.)

instalación

nounB1formal
Use 'instalación' (singular) when referring to a single, specific installation or facility, particularly if it's a key feature or part of a larger complex.

Examples

El hotel tiene excelentes instalaciones deportivas.

The hotel has excellent sports facilities.

General Location vs. Specific Space

Learners often confuse 'establecimiento' and 'local'. Remember 'establecimiento' is a general business location, while 'local' specifically refers to the commercial space itself, often before it's fully operational.

Related Translations

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