Spanish vocabulary · Beginner

How to Say Buildings in Spanish: Edificios

Edificios · noun · eh-dee-FEE-see-ohs

The Spanish word for buildings is edificios, the plural of edificio. This masculine noun covers everything from residential apartment blocks to commercial skyscrapers and government offices.

eh-dee-FEE-see-ohs (plural) · eh-dee-FEE-see-oh (singular)

Los edificios del centro histórico tienen más de cien años.

The buildings in the historic center are over a hundred years old.

Buildings in Spanish: Quick Reference

Below are the most common Spanish words for buildings, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.

SpanishEnglishPronunciationRegion / Register
edificiosbuildingseh-dee-FEE-see-ohsDefault, widely understood
construccionesbuildingsEmphasizes structures under construction or built works
inmueblesbuildingsLegal/real estate term for properties

How Native Speakers Use Edificios

Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.

City skyline

Desde aquí se ven los edificios más altos de la ciudad.

From here you can see the tallest buildings in the city.

Describing an urban panorama from an elevated viewpoint.

Architecture discussion

Estos edificios fueron diseñados por un arquitecto famoso.

These buildings were designed by a famous architect.

Talking about notable architectural works.

Real estate listing

El gobierno planea construir nuevos edificios de vivienda social.

The government plans to build new social housing buildings.

News or policy discussion about urban development.

Avoid These Mistakes When Using Edificios

Spelling error with double letters

Incorrect: Los edifisios son muy modernos.

Correct: Los edificios son muy modernos.

The correct spelling uses 'c' before 'i' — edificios. Spanish does not use 's' in this position for this word.

Using inmueble as a direct synonym in casual speech

Incorrect: Mira esos inmuebles tan bonitos.

Correct: Mira esos edificios tan bonitos.

Inmueble is a legal or real estate term. In everyday conversation, edificio is the natural choice when pointing out buildings.

Lock in Buildings Vocabulary with the Parrot Method

Why word lists alone don't stick

Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.

See Edificios used by native speakers

Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using edificios in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Los edificios del centro histórico tienen más de cien años. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.

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Common Questions About Buildings in Spanish

What is the difference between edificio and construcción?
Edificio refers to a completed, standing building. Construcción often emphasizes the process of building or a structure that may still be under development.
How do you say 'apartment building' in Spanish?
You can say edificio de apartamentos or edificio de departamentos (more common in Latin America). In Spain, bloque de pisos is also widely used.
Can edificio refer to a house?
Not typically. Edificio implies a larger, multi-story structure. A house is usually called a casa. You would not call a single-family home an edificio.