"Chimenea" refers to a structure or channel that allows smoke and gases from a fire or furnace to exit a building. It can be used in both residential and industrial contexts and is commonly found in homes with fireplaces or stoves. The term is used frequently in everyday language, appearing both in oral speech and in written texts, though it may be slightly more common in written contexts such as building codes or home improvement discussions.
La chimenea de la casa se está llenando de hollín.
The chimney of the house is filling up with soot.
Es importante limpiar la chimenea antes de encender un fuego.
It is important to clean the chimney before lighting a fire.
El humo salía por la chimenea, señal de que el fuego estaba encendido.
The smoke was coming out of the chimney, a sign that the fire was lit.
The word "chimenea" is less commonly used in idiomatic expressions, but it can appear in contexts related to warmth, heating, and comfort. Below are some idiomatic expressions and phrases where "chimenea" may be relevant:
Este verano está tan caluroso que estar en la playa es estar como en la chimenea.
This summer is so hot that being at the beach is like being in a chimney.
Echar leña a la chimenea
(To add fuel to the fire)
En una discusión, no hay que echar leña a la chimenea si quieres mantener la paz.
In an argument, one shouldn't add fuel to the fire if you want to keep the peace.
Hacer chimenea
(To have a cozy moment around the fireplace)
The word "chimenea" has its origins in the latinate terms "caminus," meaning "furnace," and "caminetum," a diminutive form that relates to a small furnace or flue. Over time, it evolved in the Spanish language to refer specifically to the structure that vents smoke from a fireplace or stove.
This comprehensive overview captures the essence of the word "chimenea" within various contexts in the Spanish language.