Spanish word

desván

Pronunciation

IPA/desˈβan/

Meaning

  • masculine nounattic

Example

Hay muchas cajas en el desván.

There are many boxes in the attic.

Illustration for desván (attic)

More examples

¿Hay alguien en el desván?

Is there anyone in the attic?

Core concept

Low, narrow storage space directly under a house roof.

Common phrases

  • buscar en el desván

    search the attic

  • las cajas del desván

    attic boxes

  • abrir el desván

    open the attic

Similar words

ático: Top-level living flat, commonly penthouse-style, often with a terrace or expansive views.
trastero: Dedicated storage locker or small room in an apartment block for extra household items.
buhardilla: Cozy upper room formed by the roof slope, characterized by slanted walls and dormer windows.

Definition in Spanish

Espacio situado bajo la cubierta de una vivienda, destinado sobre todo a guardar objetos aunque pueda acondicionarse como habitación.

Word origin

From medieval Spanish desván, ultimately from Latin vanus 'empty', originally naming the empty space beneath a roof.

Usage tips

  • Spanish ático usually means a top-floor flat (penthouse) while desván implies the under-roof storage area, so speakers often ask '¿Lo tenéis habilitado o lo usáis como trastero?'

Other meanings

  • loftnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word