conventillo (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

"Conventillo" is a noun.

Phonetic Transcription

The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription for "conventillo" is /kon.βen.ˈti.ʝo/.

Translation Options into English

• Tenement
• Boarding house

Meaning and Usage

"Conventillo" refers to a type of tenement house or boarding house predominantly found in Latin American countries, especially in Argentina and Uruguay. These are typically old houses that have been subdivided into several small living spaces, often accommodating multiple families or individuals. The term conveys connotations of lower-income housing and communal living.

It is commonly used in both oral and written contexts, although it may be more prevalent in discussions related to urban development, sociology, or literature dealing with themes of socio-economic issues.

Example Sentences

1. Los inmigrantes solían vivir en un conventillo en el barrio.
   (Immigrants used to live in a tenement in the neighborhood.)

2. El conventillo fue demolido para hacer espacio para un nuevo edificio.
   (The boarding house was demolished to make way for a new building.)

3. Las condiciones en el conventillo eran difíciles, pero se ayudaban mutuamente.
   (The conditions in the tenement were tough, but they helped each other.)

Idiomatic Expressions

"Conventillo" can also appear in idiomatic expressions, particularly in contexts discussing community life or the struggles of urban living. Here are a few examples:

1. En un conventillo todo el mundo se conoce.
   (In a tenement, everyone knows each other.)

2. This phrase emphasizes communal relationships often fostered in close living quarters.

3. Vivir en un conventillo no es fácil, pero es una experiencia única.
   (Living in a boarding house isn't easy, but it's a unique experience.)

4. This highlights both the challenges and the significance of the communal experience in such living situations.

5. Los problemas del conventillo reflejan la realidad de muchas familias.
   (The problems of the tenement reflect the reality of many families.)

6. This statement points to the socio-economic issues faced by communities living in lower-income housing.

7. El ambiente del conventillo era tanto de solidaridad como de conflicto.
   (The atmosphere of the boarding house was both one of solidarity and conflict.)

8. Indicating the dynamic relationships that can exist within communal living settings.

Etymology

The word "conventillo" derives from the Spanish "convento," meaning "convent." The suffix "-illo" is a diminutive, which suggests a smaller or lesser form. Historically, "conventillo" referred to a smaller form of a convent, which evolved into the modern usage to describe multi-family housing structures.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Inquilinato (boarding) - Albergue (hostel)

Antonyms: - Casa unifamiliar (single-family home) - Residencia (residence)