Inklingo

How to Say "space" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “space” is “espacio” — use 'espacio' for a general physical area, the universe, outer space, or a blank area on a page or form..

English → Spanish

espacio

/es-PA-syo//esˈpa.sjo/

nounA1-A2general
Use 'espacio' for a general physical area, the universe, outer space, or a blank area on a page or form.
A small car trunk stuffed full of colorful suitcases, with one extra blue suitcase sitting on the ground beside the car, showing there is no room left.

Examples

No hay espacio en el coche para más maletas.

There's no space/room in the car for more suitcases.

Necesitamos más espacio para la mesa nueva.

We need more space for the new table.

Por favor, haz un poco de espacio para que pueda sentarme.

Please, make a little space so I can sit down.

Los astronautas viajan al espacio.

Astronauts travel to space.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in 'o', it's good to remember that 'espacio' is always masculine. So, you'll always say 'el espacio' (the space) or 'un espacio' (a space).

'Space' vs. 'Room'

Mistake: “Quiero reservar un espacio en el hotel.”

Correction: Quiero reservar una habitación en el hotel. Use 'habitación' or 'cuarto' for a room in a building like a hotel or house. 'Espacio' refers to general, open area or capacity.

lugar

/loo-GAR//luˈɡaɾ/

nounA2general
Use 'lugar' specifically when asking about or referring to an available spot or seat, especially for people.
A person trying to fit one more bag into a car that is already completely full, illustrating the concept of available space.

Examples

¿Hay lugar para una persona más en el coche?

Is there room for one more person in the car?

Hazme un lugar en el sofá, por favor.

Make some room for me on the sofa, please.

No tengo lugar en mi agenda esta semana.

I don't have space/room in my schedule this week.

sitio

/SEE-tyoh//ˈsitjo/

nounB1general
Use 'sitio' to refer to an available area or spot, often interchangeably with 'lugar' when talking about seating or space for people.
A brightly colored suitcase packed full of clothes, but with one small, clearly delineated, empty rectangular space remaining.

Examples

¿Hay sitio para uno más en el coche?

Is there room for one more in the car?

No tengo sitio en mi maleta para más cosas.

I don't have space in my suitcase for more things.

Por favor, hazme un sitio en el sofá.

Please, make room for me on the sofa.

Confusing with 'Habitación'

Mistake: “Using 'habitación' or 'cuarto' to mean 'available space'.”

Correction: 'Habitación' and 'cuarto' mean a physical room in a house (like a bedroom). Use 'sitio' or 'espacio' when you're talking about whether there's enough space for something or someone.

hueco

WAY-kohˈw̝e.ko

nounA2general
Use 'hueco' to describe a literal empty space, gap, or hole, such as in a wall or a missing piece.
A small, dark, circular opening in a brown dirt surface.

Examples

Tapa ese hueco en la pared antes de que entre agua.

Cover that hole in the wall before water gets in.

Dejó un gran hueco en su corazón cuando se fue.

He left a big void (or hole) in her heart when he left.

Gender Agreement

As a masculine noun, 'hueco' uses masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., 'el hueco', 'un hueco grande').

plaza

/plá-sa/ (or /plá-tha/ in Spain)/ˈplaθa/

nounB1formal
Use 'plaza' to refer to a specific opening, position, or vacancy, particularly in formal contexts like job or academic applications.
An illustration of an empty, well-appointed office chair waiting behind a large wooden desk, symbolizing an open job position or vacancy.

Examples

Hay una plaza disponible en el departamento de ventas.

There is a position available in the sales department.

¿Cuántas plazas hay para el curso de verano?

How many spots are there for the summer course?

Formal Context

This meaning is often used in formal job listings or university applications, making it sound more serious or official than using 'trabajo' or 'puesto'.

Distinguishing 'espacio', 'lugar', and 'sitio'

Learners often confuse 'espacio' with 'lugar' and 'sitio'. Remember that 'lugar' and 'sitio' are most commonly used when referring to available seating or room for people, whereas 'espacio' is broader and can refer to any physical area or even outer space.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.