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chabola means shack — a common term in Funny Words. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: March 14, 2026

😆 Funny Words

chabola

noun • /[cha-BO-la]/

shack

Example:

Vivían en una chabola cerca del río.

They lived in a shack near the river.

🧠 What does chabola mean?

A chabola refers to a very simple, often dilapidated dwelling constructed from makeshift materials such as corrugated metal, wood scraps, and cardboard. It is typically small, basic, and offers minimal comfort or protection from the elements. While it signifies a rudimentary structure, the term can also carry a slightly informal or even humorous connotation when describing a very basic or unimpressive space, much like the English word 'shack' can sometimes be used in a lighthearted way.

📚 Extra examples

  • Después del huracán, muchas familias vivían en chabolas improvisadas.
    After the hurricane, many families lived in improvised shacks.
  • La cabaña de playa era poco más que una chabola, pero tenía unas vistas preciosas.
    The beach cabin was little more than a shack, but it had beautiful views.
  • Se construyó una chabola en el jardín para usarla como almacén.
    A shack was built in the garden to be used as a storage shed.

💡 Did You Know?

The term 'chabola' can sometimes be used in a slightly ironic or self-deprecating way to describe a very small or basic living space. For example, someone might playfully refer to their small apartment as their 'chabola' if it is particularly humble.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "chabola"

Synonyms: choza, barraca, casucha, cabaña rudimentaria
Opposites: mansión, palacio, villa, edificio

🔍 See more funny words words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'shack' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'shack' is chabola.
How do you pronounce 'chabola' in Spanish?
Chabola is pronounced 'chah-boh-lah'.
How do you use 'chabola' in a sentence?
A sentence using 'chabola' might be: 'La chabola estaba construida con restos de madera y metal.' (The shack was built with wood and metal scraps.)
What is the English translation of 'chabola'?
The English translation of 'chabola' is 'shack'.
Does 'chabola' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'chabola' is a feminine noun. It changes for number: 'chabola' (singular) and 'chabolas' (plural).
Is 'chabola' common in everyday Spanish?
'Chabola' is a commonly understood word in Spanish, particularly when referring to simple, often temporary or poorly constructed dwellings. Its usage might be less frequent in contexts describing modern, permanent housing.
Does 'chabola' have slang or double meanings?
While not strictly slang, 'chabola' can sometimes be used informally or humorously to refer to a very small, basic, or even messy living space, similar to how 'shack' might be used in English. It primarily refers to a physical structure.
Is 'chabola' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The core meaning of 'chabola' as a shack or rudimentary dwelling is generally consistent across Spanish-speaking regions. Regional variations might exist for other terms describing types of housing, but 'chabola' itself is widely understood.

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