Spanish word

patio

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈpatjo/

Meaning

  • masculine nouncourtyard

Example

Vamos a sentarnos en el patio.

Let's sit in the courtyard.

Illustration for patio (courtyard)

More examples

¿Podemos sentarnos en el patio cubierto si empieza a llover?

Can we sit in the covered courtyard if it starts to rain?

Core concept

Open paved area attached to or inside a house for household tasks and socializing.

Common phrases

  • patio de recreo

    schoolyard

  • patio cubierto

    covered courtyard

Similar words

terraza: Open flat area on a roof or balcony designed for seating and leisure.
porche: Covered entrance area that shelters from weather and serves as a transitional outdoor space.
jardín: Green outdoor area planted with flowers, shrubs, or lawn for tending and looking at.

Definition in Spanish

Área abierta dentro o junto a una vivienda, a menudo pavimentada o con baldosas, usada para tareas domésticas y para socializar.

Word origin

Derives from medieval Latin patium and ultimately from Latin patēre 'to lie open', and in Spanish the word denotes an open space inside or adjoining a dwelling.

Usage tips

  • In Spain patio commonly means a central interior courtyard, while in many Latin American varieties it can mean a backyard, and speakers use 'patio trasero' for a rear yard.

Other meanings

  • yardnoun
  • backyardnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word