How to Say "roof" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “roof” is “techo” — use 'techo' for the general, exterior covering of any building, like a house or a garage..
techo
/TAY-cho//ˈte.tʃo/
Examples
Necesitamos arreglar el techo antes de que llueva.
We need to fix the roof before it rains.
El gato siempre se sube al techo de la casa.
The cat always climbs onto the roof of the house.
Masculine Noun
Remember that 'techo' is always masculine, so you must use 'el' (the) or 'un' (a/an) before it.
Mixing Techo and Cubierta
Mistake: “Using 'cubierta' when specifically referring to the roof of a house.”
Correction: 'Techo' is the standard word for a building's roof; 'cubierta' is often used for deck/ship covering or generic coverings.
cubierta
/koo-BYEHR-tah//kuˈβjeɾta/
Examples
La cubierta del libro está dañada.
The cover of the book is damaged.
Pusieron una cubierta de lona sobre el coche para protegerlo.
They put a canvas cover over the car to protect it.
Gender Reminder
Even though 'cubierta' ends in -a, remember it is a feminine noun, so use 'la' or 'una' before it.
tejado
/te-HAH-doh//teˈxaðo/
Examples
El tejado de la iglesia es muy antiguo y necesita reparación.
The church roof is very old and needs repair.
Vimos al gato durmiendo sobre el tejado.
We saw the cat sleeping on the roof.
Las tejas rojas le dan un color bonito al tejado de la cabaña.
The red tiles give the cabin's roof a beautiful color.
Masculine Noun
Since 'tejado' ends in '-o', it is a masculine noun and always uses the masculine articles (el, un, los, unos).
Tejado vs. Techo
Mistake: “Using 'tejado' when referring to the interior ceiling.”
Correction: Use 'techo' (ceiling) for the inside surface you look up at, and 'tejado' for the exterior structure, especially if it's sloped or tiled.
Techo vs. Tejado
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