Today’s Spanish word might not be the most thrilling, but it’s definitely practical, considering it’s a household item we rely on nearly every day!
Latin American Pronunciation
European Pronunciation
Vacuum cleaner in Spanish is known as an aspiradora. It is the combination of the verb aspirar (to inhale) and the noun-forming suffix -dora.
Aspiradora is a feminine noun, so it takes the following definite and indefinite articles:
- la aspiradora = the vacuum cleaner
- una aspiradora = a vacuum cleaner
- las aspiradoras = the vacuum cleaners
- unas aspiradoras = some vacuum cleaners
The verb to vacuum (or to hoover in British English) can be expressed by combining the verb pasar (to pass) and la aspiradora. In Latin America, you may also hear aspirar.
Hay muchas migajas por todos lados. Debemos pasar la aspiradora.
There are crumbs all over the place. We must vacuum.
Here are a few useful terms related to the aspiradora:
- bolsa de la aspiradora = vacuum cleaner bag
- aspiradora vertical = stick vacuum cleaner
- aspiradora barredora = vacuum sweeper
- robot aspiradora = robot vacuum
Although the feminine form aspiradora is far more widespread across Spanish speaking countries, you may also hear the masculine form aspirador. Keep in mind, however, that aspirador also refers to suction pumps, as well as small hand vacuums, like the ones that clean seats, cars, and so on.
