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techo means ceiling — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: December 13, 2025

📘 Essential Spanish

techo

noun • /[TE-cho]/

ceiling

Example:

Hay una gotera en el techo.

There’s a leak in the ceiling.

🧠 What does techo mean?

The noun 'techo' primarily refers to the 'ceiling', the upper interior surface of a room. It can also mean 'roof', the external upper covering of a building. Additionally, 'techo' is used in a figurative sense to mean a limit, cap, or peak, as in reaching a maximum level or encountering a barrier.

📚 Extra examples

  • El ventilador está colgado del techo del dormitorio.
    The fan is hanging from the bedroom ceiling.
  • Tuvimos que reparar el techo de la casa después de la tormenta.
    We had to repair the roof of the house after the storm.
  • La empresa ha alcanzado su techo de crecimiento por este año.
    The company has reached its growth ceiling for this year.

💡 Did You Know?

The common Spanish expression 'vivir bajo el mismo techo' means 'to live under the same roof' and is used to describe people who share a home. Additionally, the term 'sin techo' (literally 'without a roof') is the standard way to refer to a person who is homeless.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "techo"

Synonyms: cubierta, tejado, cielo raso, límite, tope
Opposites: suelo, piso

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'ceiling' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'ceiling' is 'techo'. It can also be used to mean 'roof'.
How do you pronounce 'techo' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is TEH-choh. The first syllable 'te' sounds like the 'te' in 'ten', and 'cho' sounds like the 'cho' in 'chocolate'.
How do you use 'techo' in a sentence?
For example, you could say: 'El techo de la sala es muy alto.' This means 'The living room ceiling is very high.'
What is the English translation of 'techo'?
The English translation of 'techo' is 'ceiling' or 'roof'.
Does 'techo' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'techo' is a masculine noun. Its plural form is 'techos'. For example, 'el techo' (the ceiling/roof) and 'los techos' (the ceilings/roofs).
Is 'techo' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, it is a very common and essential word used in daily conversations about housing, buildings, and even in figurative contexts to talk about limits.
Does 'techo' have slang or double meanings?
Yes, figuratively. 'Tocar techo' means to reach a limit or peak. 'Un techo de cristal' is a 'glass ceiling', an invisible barrier to advancement. It can also refer to a 'cap', such as a 'techo de gasto' (spending cap).
Is 'techo' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
While 'techo' is universally understood for both 'ceiling' and 'roof', for the exterior roof, some nuances exist. In Spain, 'tejado' is common for a tiled roof. In parts of Latin America, 'azotea' is often used for a flat, walkable roof, while 'techo' may refer to a pitched roof. For the interior 'ceiling', 'techo' is the standard term everywhere.

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