Spanish word

diván

Pronunciation

IPA/diˈβan/

Meaning

  • masculine nounsofa

Example

Siéntate en el diván.

Sit on the sofa.

Illustration for diván (sofa)

More examples

Vimos un anuncio y decidimos comprar un diván para la sala.

We saw an advertisement and decided to buy a sofa for the living room.

Core concept

Long upholstered seat for sitting or reclining.

Common phrases

  • limpiar el diván

    clean the sofa

  • comprar un diván

    buy a sofa

  • cubrir el diván

    cover the sofa

Similar words

sofá: Cushioned long seat for several people, the everyday sofa for family living rooms.
sillón: Single upholstered chair with armrests and a back, intended for relaxed solo use.
butaca: Narrow single seat for one person, commonly found in cinemas and small living-room spots.

Definition in Spanish

Asiento largo y cómodo, pensado tanto para sentarse como para tumbarse, usado por una o varias personas.

Word origin

The Spanish word comes from Arabic dīwān via Ottoman Turkish, originally meaning a register or administrative council and later applied to the long low seat called diván.

Usage tips

  • Sofá is the everyday choice; diván often feels more formal or literary and commonly appears in set phrases such as diván de psicoanálisis.

Other meanings

  • couchnoun

Word lists with this word