When you look out your ventana (window) in the morning, what do you see? Do you see other casas (houses)? Or perhaps the montañas (mountains)? Some lucky people may even catch a glimpse of el mar (the sea).
Latin American Pronunciation
European Pronunciation
Ventana is a feminine noun that comes from from the Vulgar Latin *ventāna, which in turn is derived from the Latin ventus (“wind”). It takes the following definite and indefinite articles:
- la ventana = the window
- las ventanas = the windows
- una ventana = a window
- unas ventanas = some windows
Windows come in all shapes and sizes, but some of the most well-known include:
- doble ventana / aislante = double-glazed window
- ventana de guillotina = sash window
- ventana salediza = bay window
- ventana francesa = French window
- ventana de socorro / de emergencia = emergency exit
La ventana da al mar.
The window looks out over the sea.
If you observe a window closely, you will see it is made up of various parts. The marco is the frame, the sill or ledge is known as repisa or antepecho, and the pane is called cristal.
Similar to English, the term ventana has also come to denote windows on a computer screen as well. For example, a pop-up window is known as a ventana emergente, whereas a ventana de diálogo is a dialogue box.
You can also use the word figuratively to describe an opportunity or interval for action, as in the expressions ventana al mundo (window to the world) and ventana de tiempo (time frame / window of time).
La ventana de tiempo que teníamos era muy pequeña.
The window of time we had was very small.
What if you want to talk about a smaller window, like those on a car or plane, or a bank teller window? In this case, you should use the diminutive ventanilla.
Por favor, baje la ventanilla. Hace calor aquí.
Please roll down the window. It’s hot in here.
Before we move on to the second meaning for ventana, let’s take a look at some of the most common verbs with which it is used:
- asomarse por la ventana = to look out / lean out the window
- abrir una ventana = to open a window
- cerrar una ventana = to close / lock a window
- condenar una ventana = to board up a window
Window is the primary translation for ventana in Spanish, but it can also refer to a person’s nostril. That said, you are more likely to hear the following terms for this part of the body:
- agujero de la nariz
- orificio nasal
- fosa nasal
- narina
It may also refer to a forest clearing or glade.
Idiomatic expressions featuring ‘ventana’
Tirar el dinero por la ventana
Literal translation: to throw money out the window
English meaning: to throw money down the drain
Tirar / Echar la casa por la ventana
Literal translation: to throw money out the window
English meaning: to go all out, to spare no expense
