Ventana is the standard Spanish word for a physical window. In architectural contexts it includes everything from small domestic windows to large panoramic glazing.
Ventana is the standard Spanish word for a physical window. In architectural contexts it includes everything from small domestic windows to large panoramic glazing.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| Abre la puerta para ver el jardín. | Abre la ventana para ver el jardín. (if you mean the window) |
| La ventanilla del salón da a la calle. | La ventana del salón da a la calle. (ventanilla implies a small or service window) |
Ventana is the standard Spanish computing term for a window (as in Microsoft Windows). Use ventana emergente for pop-up, ventana de diálogo for dialogue box.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| Cierra el window del programa. | Cierra la ventana del programa. |
Ventana covers both the architectural window and the computing interface element. Specify when needed: ventana de guillotina (sash window), ventana emergente (pop-up), ventana de diálogo (dialog box).
Do not confuse ventana (window) with pestaña (browser tab) in computing contexts. In everyday speech, cristal ('glass') is sometimes used loosely for the whole window, but technically refers only to the pane.
Spanish ventana derives from Latin ventus ('wind'), as the earliest windows were simply gaps to let air through. Spanish replaced the Latin fenestra (preserved in French fenêtre, Italian finestra) with this ventus-derived form, probably via a Vulgar Latin diminutive ventitāna.
What does ventana mean in Spanish?
Ventana means window in Spanish — both a physical opening in a wall fitted with glass, and a computer program window (equivalent to the English computing term 'window').
What is the plural of ventana?
The plural is ventanas: 'las ventanas de la casa' (the windows of the house).
How is ventana different from ventanilla?
Ventanilla is the diminutive of ventana and refers to small service windows (bank teller, ticket booth) and car or aircraft windows. Ventana is the general word.
Where does the word ventana come from?
Ventana comes from Latin ventus (wind), referring to the original function of a window as an opening to let air through. Spanish replaced the Latin fenestra (used in French and Italian) with this wind-derived form.
How do you say 'pop-up window' in Spanish?
A pop-up window is ventana emergente in Spanish. A dialog box is ventana de diálogo, and the browser window is simply ventana del navegador.