burdel

brothel

noun boor-DEHL Rare

Origin: from Old French bordel (little hut)

Usage Note

Burdel is the neutral, standard Spanish term for a brothel; colloquial synonyms include prostíbulo (slightly more formal) and regional slang terms. The word entered Spanish from Old French bordel (small plank hut). In informal speech burdel can also mean 'chaotic mess' in some Latin American dialects (esto es un burdel — this is a complete mess).

Examples

"La novela describe la vida en un burdel del siglo XIX."

Natural Translation

The novel describes life in a 19th-century brothel.

Related Words

Explore Spanish by topic

SpanishNow

Por vs Para in Spanish: One Mental Model, No Acronyms

Por looks backward at cause and path; para looks forward at goal and destination. Master por vs para in Spanish with one mental model — no acronyms needed.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

How to Memorize Spanish Vocabulary Fast (That Sticks)

Memorize Spanish vocabulary fast with a 15-minute daily loop: spaced repetition, frequency-first words, and example-sentence cards that actually stick.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

How to Say "You" in Spanish: Tú, Usted, Vos & Vosotros

Spanish has five words for "you": tú, usted, vos, vosotros, and ustedes. Learn which to use by who you're talking to and where — plus the verb endings.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

How to Roll Your Rs in Spanish (Even If You Can't Yet)

Roll your Rs in Spanish by building from the butter sound you already make, then adding airflow. A step-by-step method, minimal pairs, and self-check drills.

June 3, 2026 7 min read