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Home and things in Basque

271 words in Basque on the topic “home and things”: etxea — house, etxebizitza — housing, gela — room, sukaldea — kitchen. 271 words can be played from recordings.

Updated September 1, 2026 · Lingofly

271 words on the topic

  • etxea
    house
    Etxean — at home: the ending -(e)an, 'in', marks the place. The Basque surname Etxeberri — 'new house': houses grew into family names here
  • etxebizitza
    housing
    Literally 'house-living': etxe + bizi. The bookish word from the listings; the concrete flat is pisua
  • gela
    room
    A short word for every room: gela bikoitz — a room for two, the hotel-listing phrase
  • sukaldea
    kitchen
    From sukalde, literally 'the fire's side': su + alde. Kitchen and cuisine in one: euskal sukaldaritza — Basque cuisine
  • bainugela
    bathroom
    Literally 'bathing room': bainu + gela. In the listings: bi bainugelako pisua — a flat with two bathrooms
  • balkoia
    balcony
    A borrowing, as elsewhere. Balkoian loreak daude — flowers on the balcony: a classic of Basque streets
  • solairua
    floor (story)
    Beheko solairua — the ground floor, literally 'the lower one'. In the lift, the buttons 1…5 are solairuak
  • igogailua
    lift
    Literally 'the raiser': igo — 'to climb' + -gailu, 'device'. Old houses don't have one — igogailurik gabe they write, honestly
  • eskailera
    staircase
    Stairs and steps: related to Spanish «escalera». «Eskaileretan gora» — up the stairs
  • mahaia
    table
    Mahaira! — 'to the table!': the call to dinner. Mahai gainean — on the table, literally 'on the table's top'
  • aulkia
    chair
    A native word, not the Spanish silla: one of the first signs that someone speaks Basque
  • ohea
    bed
    Ohera joan — to go to bed, literally 'to go to the bed'. And 'a riverbed' — the same word
  • armairua
    wardrobe
    Related to the French armoire. Sukaldeko armairua — the kitchen cupboard
  • leihoa
    window
    A native word, sounds like 'lay-o-e'. Leiho zabala — a wide window; Basque kitchens talk through them
  • atea
    door
    Three syllables: a-te-a. Both the flat's door and the car's door. Atea itxi — to close the door
  • giltza
    key
    The key to a door, and the same word in the figurative sense: «arazoaren giltza» — the key to the problem
  • lanpara
    lamp
    Related to «lamp». A desk lamp is «mahaiko lanpara», literally «lamp of the table»
  • ur beroa
    hot water
    Literally 'water hot': ur + bero. Ez dago ur berorik — the phrase that starts the call to the landlord
  • elektrizitatea
    electricity
    Around the house they say it short: argia — 'the light'. Argiaren faktura — the light bill, the most discussed document
  • zaborra
    trash
    A native word: zabor — rubbish, waste. From it, «zaborrontzia» — the bin: zabor plus ontzi, container, the same one as in «postontzia» — a postbox
  • garbiketa
    cleaning
    From garbitu — 'to clean'. Garbiketa-produktuak — cleaning products: a whole row on the pharmacy shelf
  • arropa-garbiketa
    laundry
    Literally 'clothes cleaning': arropa — 'clothes', garbiketa — 'cleaning'. The washing machine is arropa-garbigailua
  • sukaldeko ontziak
    dishes
    Literally 'kitchen vessels': sukalde + ontziak. The dishwasher is ontzi-garbigailua — literally 'vessel-washer'
  • esku-oihala
    towel
    Literally 'hand-cloth': esku + oihal. The towel for hands is named by its station
  • xaboia
    soap
    With x — 'sh': sha-bo-ee-a. Xaboi naturala — natural soap; they wash everything with it here
  • auzokoa
    neighbor
    From auzo — 'neighborhood' and 'quarter': auzo-giroa — the neighborly feel. A woman is auzokoa too
  • jabea
    landlord
    The owner of anything: a dog, a car, a flat. Jabearen izena — the owner's name in the document
  • alokairua
    rent
    The word from every listing: alokairurako pisua — a flat to let. Alokairu-prezioa — the rent price
  • kontratua
    contract
    Related to 'contract'. Alokairu-kontratua — the rental contract: read it to the last line before signing
  • fidantza
    deposit
    Related to Spanish fianza. Usually one month's rent: hilabeteko fidantza. You get it back if everything is whole
  • faktura
    utility bill
    The bill in general: light, water, phone. Fakturak jabeak ordaintzen ditu — the landlord pays the bills; ask in advance
  • berritzea
    renovation
    From berri — 'new': renovation here is 'renewal'. Pisua berritua — a renovated flat, sold at a higher price
  • zarata dago
    it's noisy
    Literally 'there is noise': Basque describes the noise rather than naming a quality. Kale zarata — street noise, the excuse for cheap rent
  • Ez dabil.
    it doesn't work
    Dabil — 'works' about devices and mechanisms. The universal formula: the lift, the light, the wifi
  • Apurtu da.
    it broke
    Literally 'it broke by itself': the thing breaks 'at its place', no culprit named. The adjective is apurtuta
  • tantaka
    it's leaking
    From «tanta», a drop: «tantaka» means drop by drop. «Sabaitik ura tantaka dator» — water is dripping from the ceiling, time to call the landlord
  • Deitu teknikari bati.
    call a technician
    Deitu — 'to call' + to whom (-i). Teknikaria here is the fix-it man; the landlord usually knows his own
  • Noiz etorriko zarete?
    when will you come?
    The future of etorri — 'to come': etorriko zarete — 'you will come'. The polite way to ask the technician
  • Itxaron minutu bat.
    wait a minute
    Itxaron — 'wait!'. Minutu bat — one minute: the same phrase covers 'just a moment'
  • Dena ondo dago.
    everything is fine
    Literally 'everything is well situated'. The technician says it leaving; you answer primeran
  • Ezin dut ireki.
    I can't open it
    Ezin — 'can't': negated ability in one word. Door, window, bank — it works with everything
  • pisua alokatu
    rent a flat
    Literally 'to rent the flat': pisua — both 'scale' and the flat, from the Spanish piso. To rent is alokatu, from alokairua
  • alokairuan jarri
    let a flat
    Literally 'to put on rent': letting here is 'putting'. The sign in the window says it itself: Alokairuan — 'to let'
  • alokairu-kontratua
    rental agreement
    Literally 'the rent's contract': kontratua — the same contract, only about a home. Reading before signing is a rule, not advice
  • hilabeteko alokairua
    monthly rent
    Literally 'the month's rent': -ko — 'for'. The rent is counted in months: the first of the month is alokairua day
  • alokairu-epea
    lease term
    Literally 'the rent's term': epe — 'term', the same as in the payment deadline. A year, two, five — the term is written in the agreement
  • higiezin-agentea
    real estate agent
    Literally 'real-estate agent': higiezin — real estate, agente — agent. The agency itself is higiezinen agentzia
  • pisu-bisita
    flat viewing
    Literally 'the flat's visit': bisita. They look at everything: the water, the neighbors and the sun in the windows
  • altzaridun pisua
    furnished flat
    Literally «a flat that has furniture»: altzari, furniture, plus -dun, «having». The furniture is in place — just bring suitcases
  • sartu
    move in
    Sartu — 'to enter and move in': pisu berrira sartu naiz — I moved into the new flat. The same verb already spoke of university admission
  • atera
    move out
    Atera — 'to take out and move out': pisutik atera naiz — I moved out. Photos, money and rented flats — all get 'taken out' with it
  • etxe-aldaketa
    a move (house)
    Literally 'the house's change': aldatu — 'to change'. A move here is 'a change of house' — an honest word, not a scary one
  • etxez aldatu
    relocate
    Literally 'to change by house': etxe — house, -z, aldatu — to change. Plain mugitu is to move things or yourself; relocating is changing your home
  • etxe-aldaketako langilea
    mover
    Literally 'house-move worker': etxe-aldaketa — 'moving house' + -ko, langile — 'worker'. The mover carries the furniture walking backwards
  • kamioia
    truck
    A loan from Spanish camión, openly admitted. In the morning it's empty, by evening — full of life
  • paketatu
    pack up
    From pakete — 'parcel': to pack here is 'to make parcels'. Books into boxes, dishes into paper — all «paketatu»
  • kutxatik atera
    unpack
    Literally 'to take out of the box': kutxa + atera. Unpacking is happier than moving: you find what you forgot
  • helbide berria
    new address
    Literally 'the new address': helbidea. Here they write the new address for the family on a napkin — a tradition
  • gauzak garraiatzea
    hauling the things
    Literally 'the things' transporting': garraiatu — 'to transport', related to garraio — 'transport'. Two truck runs is the norm
  • kokatu
    settle in
    A native word: to place and to situate. To settle in here: the mug in its place, the books on the shelf — the home happened
  • leku berrira ohitu
    get used to the new place
    Literally «get used to a new place»: ohitu, to get used, hence «ohitura» — habit, custom. Settling in takes a season
  • altzariak
    furniture
    A native word, usually plural: furniture here is 'the pieces of the setting'. Sofa, wardrobe and chair — all inside this word
  • sofa
    sofa
    A loan from Arabic through the European languages, openly admitted; the word already ends in -a, so no article is added: sofa. The sofa is the center of the evening
  • beso-aulkia
    armchair
    Literally 'arm-chair': beso — 'arm' + aulkia. The armchair here is 'embracing': in it they read and doze
  • apala
    shelf
    A native word: the shelf and the ledge. The shelves here hold books — and order and chaos at once
  • alfonbra
    carpet
    A loan from Arabic through the Spanish alfombra, openly admitted. On the carpet the baby crawls
  • ispilua
    mirror
    A native word, old. In the morning it honestly says how you look
  • gortina
    curtain
    A loan from Latin through the Spanish cortina, openly admitted. The curtains here are 'opened' with the same ireki as the window
  • burkoa
    pillow
    Literally 'the head-thing': burua — 'head'. Under the head — literally
  • manta
    blanket
    A loan from Spanish manta, openly admitted. In winter they ask for one more: beste manta bat — after a number the article vanishes
  • sabaiko lanpara
    ceiling lamp
    Literally 'the ceiling's lamp': sabaia + lanpara. Honestly named by its place of residence
  • pintura
    paint
    A loan from Latin through the Spanish pintura, openly admitted. White paint — space, green — boldness
  • hormak pintatu
    paint the walls
    Literally 'the walls to paint': horma — 'wall'. A day with paint ends with drops on the floor and pride in the chest
  • horma-papera
    wallpaper
    Literally 'wall's paper': horma + papera. Wallpaper here is 'wall paper' — logical to the point of comedy
  • lauza
    tile
    A native word: tile, slab and stone plate at once. In the bathroom and the kitchen — up to the ceiling
  • bihurkina
    screwdriver
    Related to bihurtu — 'to turn, to twist': the screwdriver turns the screw until it's tight. A flat-pack wardrobe goes together with it in an evening
  • zulagailua
    drill
    From zulo — 'a hole': the drill here is 'the hole-maker', the same -gailu as the vacuum cleaner. The noisy Sunday neighbor is this one
  • hodia
    pipe
    A native word: pipe, hose and channel at once. Behind it live both the water and the heat
  • bonbilla erre da
    the bulb burned out
    Literally 'the bulb has burned': bonbilla — a loan from Spanish bombilla, erre — 'to burn'. It always goes in the evening, at the wrong moment
  • berokuntza
    heating
    From bero — 'warm' (bero dago — 'it's hot'): heating here is 'the warming'. Turned on in October and argued about until April
  • konponketa egin
    do renovations
    From konpondu — 'to fix': the renovation here is 'a fixing'. Small — with your own hands, big — with a master and tea
  • kontagailua
    meter (utility)
    From kontatu — 'to count', related to kontua: the meter here is 'the counter', with the tool suffix -gailu. It spins — you pay; it stands — a surprise
  • kontagailuaren irakurketa
    meter reading
    Literally 'the meter's reading': irakurri — 'to read'; even numbers get 'read' here. Once a month a photo of the meter flies to the management
  • ur-faktura
    water bill
    Literally 'the water's bill': faktura. The water is cheap here, but the bill comes anyway — like clockwork
  • argindar-faktura
    electricity bill
    Literally 'the light-power's bill': argindar — a native word for electricity, 'the power of light'. In winter the bill grows with the heating
  • ura moztu dute
    the water was cut off
    Literally 'they cut the water': moztu — 'to cut'. The water here gets 'cut' — for works, and always at the wrong time
  • zabor-ontzia
    garbage can
    Literally «container for rubbish»: zabor, rubbish, plus ontzi, container. It goes out in the evening so the lorry takes it in the morning
  • sarrera
    entryway
    The same word as 'entrance': the entryway here is the house's 'entrance'. Don't mix with sarrerak — the incomes: there the plural is about money
  • atari-telefonoa
    intercom
    Literally 'the doorway's telephone': atari — the door opening and the entryway. The intercom here is 'the entrance's phone': buzzer, voice, door
  • auzokoen zarata
    neighbor noise
    Literally 'the neighbors' noise': auzokoa — 'neighbor', zarata — 'noise'. You hear it all: music, footsteps and somebody's laughter at two in the night
  • etxeko arauak
    house rules
    Literally «home rules»: arau, a rule or norm. Quiet after eleven is rule number one, and not only here
  • mahaia prestatu
    set the table
    Literally 'to prepare the table': prestatu — 'to prepare', the same verb as makes dinner. Preparing the table for the guests
  • festa-afaria
    festive dinner
    Literally 'the holiday's dinner': festa — 'party' + afaria — 'dinner'. A scheme-word: whose dinner it is, that's what it's called
  • goxokia
    candy
    From goxoa — 'tasty' + -ki: 'a yum-yum'. Children always beg for them at the shop
  • lore-sorta
    bouquet
    Literally 'the flowers' bunch': lorea — 'flower' + sorta — 'a bunch'. Named by how it's made: flowers tied together
  • globoa
    balloon
    A loan from the Latin globus — 'a sphere', openly admitted. Inflated with air: for the holiday they're let up to the ceiling
  • girlanda
    garland
    Borrowed, related to Italian «ghirlanda». A garland is a chain of lights or flowers on a wall
  • etxea apaindu
    decorate the house
    Literally 'to adorn the house': apaindu — 'to adorn', the hairdresser's root. Dressing the house for the holiday
  • eskaini
    treat (offer)
    A native word: to offer and to treat at once. From it, eskaintza — 'the treat'. Offering out of generosity
  • oparia ireki
    open the present
    Literally 'to open the present': ireki — 'to open', known from windows and doors. Opened in front of everyone, after thanking first
  • desioa
    wish (toast)
    A native word: a desire and a wish at once. The wish said aloud at the table
  • biguna
    soft
    A native word: yielding — a pillow, bread crumb. Partner of gogor — 'hard'. Basques say it about character too: an accommodating person
  • gogor
    hard
    The same word as 'persistently' — context splits them: hard here is to the touch, stone and chairs. Partner of biguna — 'soft'
  • bustia
    wet
    A native word: soaked; from it, busti egin — 'to wet'. Partner of lehor — 'dry'. Rain passed — the streets are bustiak
  • lehor
    dry
    A native word: dry weather, dry earth, dry hands. Partner of bustia — 'wet'. From it, lehortu — 'to dry'
  • mehea
    thin
    The same word as 'slim' — context splits them: thin here is a sheet, cloth, ice. Partner of lodia — 'thick'
  • sakona
    deep
    A native word: a river, a pit, a thought. Partner of xehea — 'shallow'. From it, sakonera — 'depth'
  • biribila
    round
    A native word: a table, a coin, a porthole. From it, biribildu — 'to round off'. The roundabout in Basque towns is biribilgi
  • nora
    where to
    The question of motion: nora zoaz? — where are you going? The answer takes -ra: etxera — home. Don't mix it with non — 'where' (standing still)
  • nonahi
    everywhere
    Literally «wherever»: non, where, plus nahi, any. Everywhere, all over the house: «hautsa dago nonahi» — dust everywhere. The pair to «inon ez» — nowhere
  • inon ez
    nowhere
    Literally 'anywhere not': inon — 'anywhere' + ez. Giltza ez dago inon — the key is nowhere. Partner of nonahi — 'everywhere'
  • bizkorra
    quick
    Quick, lively, nimble: for people and animals alike. The pair to «mantso» — slow
  • mantsoa
    slow
    A native word: unhurried — a train, a person, a river. Partner of bizkor — 'quick'. The adverb is also mantso
  • zaila
    difficult
    The same word as 'hard' — context splits them: difficult here is a task, a choice. Partner of erraza — 'easy'. Erabakia zaila da — the decision is hard
  • soila
    plain (simple)
    From soil — 'bare': plain here is without extras, honest. A two-dish lunch is bazkari soila. Partner of konplexua — 'complex'
  • zuzena
    right (answer)
    The same word as 'straight' — context splits them: correct here is an answer, a decision. From zuzen — 'straight': the straight path IS the true one
  • okerra
    wrong
    The same word as 'crooked' — context splits them: wrong here is an answer, a road, a number. Partner of zuzena — 'right'. Zenbakia okerra da — the number is wrong
  • iluna
    dark
    From ilun: a room, a color, an evening. Partner of argia — 'light'. Hence ilunabarra — 'dusk'. From it, iluntasuna — 'darkness'
  • xehea
    fine (small)
    Small, fine, detailed: sand, print, handwriting. Small change in the purse is «diru xehea»
  • ezberdina
    different
    Literally 'not-equal': ez + berdin — 'the same'. Different here is not the same one: kolore ezberdinak — different colors. Partner of berdina
  • berdina
    identical
    From berdin — 'equally': identical here is one to one. Bi botilak berdinak dira — both bottles are identical. Related to berdin dio — 'it doesn't matter'
  • jaitsi
    take down
    The same word as 'descend' and 'drop' — context splits them: lowering here is a thing taken down by hand. Present: jaisten dut
  • mugitu
    move (something)
    The same word as 'move yourself' — context splits them: moving here is pushing or dragging a thing. Aulkia mugitu, mesedez — move the chair, please
  • jaregin
    to drop
    To let go, release: «katilua jaregin du» — he dropped the cup. The pair to «harrapatu» — to catch
  • lurretik altxatu
    pick up off the floor
    Literally 'from the ground to lift': lur — 'earth' + -tik 'from' + altxatu — 'to raise'. It fell — you bent, you lifted
  • eseki
    to hang
    A native word: to hang; esekita dago — it is hanging. Not to be confused with eseri — to sit down. At home: jaka esekitzen dut armairuan — I hang the jacket in the wardrobe. Present: esekitzen dut
  • apaletik kendu
    take off the shelf
    Literally 'from the shelf to remove': apala — 'shelf' + -tik + kendu — 'to remove'. Take it, read it, put it back
  • tolestu
    fold
    From toles — 'a crease': folding here is 'laying in creases'. Laundry after drying — tolesten dut. A paper plane is paper tolestua
  • hedatu
    spread out
    A native word: to spread out and to spread (news) alike. The cloth on the table — mahai-zapia mahaian hedatzen du. Partner of tolestu — 'to fold'
  • bildu
    wrap up
    A native word: to gather and to wrap in one. A present in paper — oparia paperarekin bildu. Related to bilkura — 'a gathering'
  • zabaldu
    unwrap
    A native word: zabaldu — to open out, unfold: a present, a map, an umbrella. Partner of bildu — 'to wrap'. A child unwraps faster than you wrapped
  • ireki
    open (verb)
    A native word: to open a door, a window, a mouth and eyes alike. Hence irekita — 'open'. Present: irekitzen dut
  • itxi
    close (verb)
    A native word: to close a door, a shop, eyes. Hence itxita — 'closed'. The present tightens: itxi → ixten
  • giltzapetu
    lock
    Literally «put under key»: giltza, key, plus pe, under. Leaving home: «atea giltzapetu dut» — I locked the door
  • giltzaz ireki
    unlock
    Literally 'open with the key': giltza — 'key' + -z 'with' + ireki. Partner of giltzapetu — 'to lock'. In the evening the key turns and you giltzaz irekitzen duzu the door
  • argia piztu
    turn on the light
    Literally 'to light the light': piztu — 'to ignite'. In Basque you light the light like a candle: argia piztu dut
  • argia itzali
    turn off the light
    Literally 'to extinguish the light': itzali — 'to put out'. Partner of argia piztu. Argia itzaltzen du lo baino lehen — he turns the light off before sleep
  • sakatu
    press
    To press: a button, a bell, a pedal. «Botoia sakatu» — press the button
  • heldulekua biratu
    turn the handle
    Literally 'to turn the handle': heldulekua — 'handle' (heldu — 'hold' + -leku) + biratu — 'to turn'. The door opens by itself
  • atea jo
    knock
    Literally 'to hit the door': jo — 'to hit'. Three times and wait: atea jotzen du norbaitek. No bell — they knock
  • txirrin egin
    ring the bell
    Onomatopoeia: txirrin! — ding. Basque 'does' the ring: txirrin egin dute — the doorbell rang. Partner of atea jo — 'to knock'
  • guraizeekin moztu
    cut with scissors
    Literally «cut with scissors»: guraizeak, scissors, always plural, plus -kin «with», plus moztu, to cut
  • itsatsi
    to stick on
    The same word as «stick on» — the sense differs: here gluing in general, with anything. Glue is «kola». Present: «itsasten dut»
  • josi
    sew
    A native word: by needle, by machine. Amonak prakak josten ditu — grandma sews trousers. Present: josten dut
  • puntua egin
    knit
    Literally «make stitch»: puntu, stitch, loop, plus egin, to make. Knitting a jumper or scarf, with needles or a hook. Wool is «artilea»
  • konpondu
    repair
    The same word as 'fix' — context splits them: repairing here is in general, with your own hands. A loan from Spanish componer, openly admitted
  • apurtu
    smash
    The same word as 'break' — context splits them: smashing here is glass and dishes into shards. Beira apurtu da — the glass broke
  • karraskatu
    scratch
    A native word: to scratch (and to crunch). The cat claws the door, the mouse scrapes in the wall: one sound — karraska
  • zikindu
    dirty (verb)
    Literally 'to turn into dirt': zikin — 'dirty' + -du. Dirtying covers things and clothes: prakak zikindu ditut — I got the trousers dirty
  • garbitu
    clean (verb)
    The same word as 'wash' — context splits them: cleaning here is shoes, furniture, teeth. From it, garbiketa — 'cleaning'
  • hautsa kendu
    dust (verb)
    Literally «take the dust off»: hautsa, dust, plus kendu, remove. Dusting — a cloth over the shelf, once a week
  • arropa garbitu
    do the laundry
    Literally 'to wash the clothes': arropa — 'clothes' + garbitu — 'to wash'. Laundry here is machine and hands alike. Once a week, like clockwork
  • lehortu
    dry (verb)
    From lehor — 'dry': to dry is 'to make dry'. Laundry in the sun — eguzkitan lehortzen dut. Hair too
  • plantxa pasatu
    iron
    Literally «pass the iron»: plantxa, iron, plus pasatu, pass. Ironing — over a shirt, hot, carefully
  • zorua garbitu
    mop the floor
    Literally 'to wash the floor': zorua — 'floor' + garbitu — 'to wash'. Once a week — and the house is another house. The mop waits in the corner
  • aireztatu
    air out
    Literally 'to fill with air': aire — 'air' + -ztatu. Air out here is a window wide open for ten minutes
  • loreak ureztatu
    water the flowers
    Literally 'to give the flowers drink': loreak — 'flowers' + ureztatu — 'to water'. A watering can or a jar — no matter, it's the water that counts
  • landatu
    plant
    To plant: tomatoes and lettuce in spring, and tree saplings too. A plant is «landarea»
  • zulatu
    dig
    From zulo — 'a hole': to dig is 'to make holes'. With a spade in the garden, with a trowel in a pot. Present: zulatzen dut
  • berridatzi
    copy out
    Literally 'to write anew': ber- 'again' + idatzi — 'to write'. Fair copy — berridazten dut. The present tightens: idatzi → idazten
  • inprimatu
    print
    The same word as 'print out' — context splits them: printing here is in general, sheet by sheet. A loan from Spanish imprimir, openly admitted
  • aitortu
    confess
    The same word as «confess» — the sense differs: owning up in general, at home or in a game: «aitortu egin du» — he owned up
  • arina
    light in weight
    The same word as «light» — the sense differs: light in weight, in the hand or in a bag. The pair to «astuna» — heavy. A feather is «arina»
  • harria bezain gogorra
    rock hard
    Literally 'as hard as stone': harri — 'stone', bezain — 'as … as', gogor — 'hard'. Yesterday's bread gets exactly this. A comparison as an intensifier
  • ukitzean biguna
    soft to the touch
    Literally 'soft on touching': ukitu — 'to touch' + -tzean 'when'. The touch here is the palm: a blanket, a cat, down. The eyes rest
  • zorrotz
    sharp
    A native word: a knife, an axe, a tongue alike. Partner of kamuts — 'blunt'. A sharp mind is zorrotz too
  • kamutsa
    blunt
    A native word: kamuts — blunt, without an edge. Partner of zorrotz — 'sharp'. A blunt knife doesn't cut, it crushes: kamutsa dago — time to sharpen it, zorroztu
  • zuzena
    straight
    A native word: zuzen — 'straight, even'. Straight here is about a line and a road: no turns, no knots. A straight line is lerro zuzena
  • ganbila
    convex
    A native word: ganbil — convex, the middle higher than the edges. Convex is bulging outward: a shield, a dome, a lid. Partner of ahur — 'concave'
  • barne-hutsa
    hollow
    Literally 'empty inside': barne — 'inside' + huts — 'empty'. Hollow here is a tube, a stem, a bone. Knock — you'll hear it
  • osokoa
    solid (one piece)
    From oso — 'whole': solid here is from one piece, no seams. Egur osokoa — solid wood. Against sections and joints
  • egongela
    living room
    Literally 'staying room': egon — 'to stay' + gela — 'room'. In the evening everyone is here: the sofa, the TV, the cat
  • atondoa
    hallway
    Literally 'by the door': ate — 'door' + ondo — 'beside'. Shoes and jackets live here: zapatak atondoan uzten ditut
  • pasabidea
    corridor
    Literally 'passing-way': pasa — 'to pass' + bide — 'way'. The corridor leads to the rooms: luzea eta iluna — long and dark
  • biltegia
    storeroom
    The same word as 'warehouse' — context splits them: a storeroom here is at home, in the flat. From bildu — 'to gather': everything extra goes there
  • atalasea
    threshold
    A native word: atalase — the bottom of the doorway. Step over it — you're home. Atalasea igaro — to cross the threshold
  • ateko heldulekua
    door handle
    Literally 'the door's hold-place': heldu — 'to hold' + -leku 'place'. The handle greets you first: turn it and you're in
  • ateko sarraila
    door lock
    Literally «door’s lock»: sarraila, lock, related to Spanish «cerraja». The key turns — the door opens
  • ateko txirrina
    doorbell
    Literally 'the door's ding': txirrina — 'bell', grown from the sound. Txirrina jo du norbaitek — someone rang. Partner of atea jo — 'to knock'
  • leiho-ertza
    windowsill
    Literally 'the window's edge': ertz — 'edge, rim'. The cat and the geranium fight for this spot: katua leiho-ertzean lotan dago
  • gortina
    café curtain
    The same word as 'curtain' — context splits them: this one is the kitchen's short curtain. A loan from Spanish cortina, openly admitted
  • bonbilla
    light bulb
    A loan from Spanish bombilla, openly admitted. When it burns out — erre da: they change it, screwing counterclockwise
  • linterna
    flashlight
    A loan from Spanish linterna, openly admitted. The light is out — the flashlight waits in the drawer. Linternekin begiratu dut armairuan
  • gaueko lanpara
    nightlight
    Literally 'the night's lamp': gauekoa — 'of the night' + lanpara — 'lamp'. For the child to sleep: a weak light in the corridor
  • txorrota
    tap
    A tap, in the kitchen and in the bathroom. If it drips — «tantaka dabil» — the washer needs changing
  • harraska
    sink
    A native word: harraska — the kitchen sink (a washbasin is konketa). The dishes go into it: platerak harraskan garbitzen ditut. The tap is right there — the hand reaches by itself
  • bainuontzia
    bathtub
    Literally 'the bathing vessel': bainu — 'bathing' + ontzia — 'vessel'. Hot water and foam: ur berorekin betetzen dut
  • komunontzia
    toilet
    Literally «toilet vessel»: komun, toilet (and «common»), plus ontzia, vessel. Paper and a brush sit next to it
  • ur hodia
    hose
    Literally 'water-pipe': ur — 'water' + hodia — 'pipe, channel'. The garden is watered from a barrel: the hose is dragged across the lawn
  • pospoloak
    matches
    A native word: pospolo — a match (fosforo in Basque is the chemical element); plural — the box rattles. The fireplace and the old stove — matches are still needed
  • pizgailua
    lighter
    Literally 'the igniting device': piztu — 'to ignite' + -gailu 'device'. Gas inside — the spark clicks. Partner of pospoloak
  • lanbasa
    mop
    A native word: lanbas — a floor mop, a pole with a fringe of cloth strips. The floor is washed lanbasarekin — with the mop
  • trapua
    rag
    A loan from Spanish trapo, openly admitted. The rag is the first helper: dust off, spill caught. Trapuz garbitzen du — he wipes with a rag
  • eskoba
    broom
    A loan from Spanish escoba, openly admitted. Broom and dustpan are a pair: they sweep the yard and the kitchen. It stands in the corner, head down
  • palatxoa
    dustpan
    The diminutive of pala — 'spade' (a borrowing): a dustpan here is a 'little spade'. You sweep the trash straight into it
  • hautsa
    dust
    A native word: hauts, dust. In a week there is a layer on the shelf: «hautsa dago altzarietan». Wiped with a rag
  • zikina
    dirt
    The same word as 'dirty' — context splits them: dirt here is the noun, on the floor and on the hands. Partner of garbia — 'clean'
  • detergentea
    detergent
    A loan from Spanish detergente, openly admitted. A little covers the whole basin: detergente pixka bat. The foam hums
  • xurgagailuarekin garbitu
    vacuum
    Literally 'to clean with the sucker': xurgagailua — 'vacuum cleaner' (xurgatu — 'to suck' + -gailu). Carpets and floor get it at once
  • zorua eskobatu
    sweep the floor
    To sweep the floor: sweeping is «eskobatu», from «eskoba» — broom. Before mopping, you sweep
  • txukundu
    tidy up
    From «txukun», neat, tidy: to tidy up is «make neat». Everything in its place
  • egurrezkoa
    wooden
    Literally 'of wood': egur — 'wood' + -rezkoa 'made of it'. Warm to the touch: tables, spoons, floors
  • metalezkoa
    made of metal
    Literally 'of metal': metala + -zkoa. Cold and ringing: spoons, keys, gates. Knock — you'll hear it
  • beirazkoa
    glass (adjective)
    Literally 'of glass': beira + -zkoa. Clear and fragile: a glass, a jar, a window. It falls — into shards
  • plastikozkoa
    plastic
    Literally 'of plastic': plastikoa — a borrowing + -zkoa. Light and cheap: bags, bottles, toys. It's the one that gets recycled
  • paperezkoa
    paper (adjective)
    Literally 'of paper': papera — a borrowing + -zkoa. Disposable and light: a cup, a bag, a napkin. Water is its enemy
  • harrizkoa
    stone (adjective)
    Literally 'of stone': harri — 'stone' + -zkoa. The houses of old Basque streets are harrizkoak: cool in summer
  • burdina
    iron (metal)
    A native word: the metal of forges. The Basque Country is the land of iron: Burdinola — iron works. It rusts without paint
  • kartoia
    cardboard
    Borrowed from Spanish «cartón». Boxes are made of it: «kutxak kartoizkoak dira». It folds and glues
  • kautxua
    rubber
    A loan from Spanish caucho, openly admitted. It springs and keeps water out: wheels, boots, gaskets. Gurpila kautxuzkoa da
  • larrua
    leather
    A native word: hide — jackets, bags, belts. As in larru naturala — 'genuine leather'. It grows softer with the years
  • paretako erlojua
    wall clock
    Literally 'the wall's clock': paretakoa — 'wall' + erlojua — 'clock'. It ticks through the whole room: geldi dago — it stopped
  • alfonbratxoa
    small rug
    The diminutive of alfonbra — 'carpet': a small rug is a 'carpet-baby'. By the door and in the bathroom: your feet don't freeze
  • sofa manta
    throw blanket
    Literally 'the sofa's blanket': manta — 'blanket', sofa — a borrowing. In the evening, a series and a throw — an inseparable pair
  • burko oihala
    pillowcase
    Literally 'the pillow's cloth': burkoa — 'pillow' + oihala — 'cloth'. Every two weeks — into the wash: that's how sleep stays clean
  • ohe manta
    bedspread
    Literally 'the bed's blanket': ohea — 'bed' + manta. Beauty on top, warmth underneath. The bed is dressed at once
  • kakoa
    hook (fastener)
    A native word: kako — a hook, a peg: hang the jacket on it — and order. Kakoan eseki — to hang on the hook
  • argazki markoa
    photo frame
    Literally 'the photo's frame': argazkia — 'photo' + markoa — 'frame' (a borrowing). A shelf of them is the family chronicle
  • loreontzia
    vase
    Literally «flower vessel»: lore, flower, plus ontzi, vessel. A vase for cut flowers on the table; the same word also names a flowerpot
  • loreontzia
    flower pot
    Literally 'the flowers' vessel': lore + ontzi, written as one word; the same word as 'vase'. A hole at the bottom — the extra water drains. On the windowsill they thrive
  • arka
    chest
    A native word: a chest, the ark of memory: blankets, letters, a dowry. It stood by the wall in every Basque house
  • zerra
    saw
    A native word: its teeth sing zerr-zerr. Don't mix it with xerra — 'slice': one letter decides
  • aizkora
    axe
    An axe: for firewood and logs. A knife is «labana» or «aiztoa»
  • torlojua
    screw (with nut)
    The same word as 'screw (into wood)' — context splits them: this one takes a nut — machines and furniture. A loan from Spanish tornillo, openly admitted
  • pintzela
    paintbrush
    A loan from Spanish pincel, openly admitted. Brush and paint get along: pintzelarekin pintura eman dut. Don't leave it bristles-down
  • berniza
    varnish
    A loan from Spanish barniz, openly admitted. Varnish makes the wood shine: one coat, another — and it gleams
  • ohola
    plank
    A native word: a plank — fences, floors, benches
  • erreminta-kutxa
    toolbox
    Literally «tools box»: erremintak, tools, plus kutxa, box. A handle on top — grab it and go fix things
  • egurra
    firewood
    From egur — 'wood': wood goes into the stove and lives as firewood. Chopped with an axe, dried under a shed: egurra lehortzen
  • tximinia
    fireplace
    A loan from Spanish chimenea, openly admitted; the chimney and the hearth in one word. In winter the whole house gathers by the fire
  • borda
    shed
    A native word: a shed, a lean-to — in the mountains it's also the shepherd's hut. Tools and the bike go there, beyond the house door
  • igurtzi
    wipe
    A native word: to wipe with pressure — a table, a shop window, a brow. With a rag — trapuz igurtzi. Present: igurzten dut
  • zulagailuaz zulatu
    to drill a hole
    Literally 'to hole with the driller': zulagailua — 'drill' (zulo — 'hole' + -gailu). The instrumental -z says what with: zulagailuaz. Loud but precise
  • iltzea jo
    hammer in a nail
    Literally 'to hit the nail': iltzea — 'nail' + jo — 'to hit'. Three strikes — and the picture hangs. Mind your fingers: kontuz!
  • torlojuz finkatu
    screw down
    Literally 'to fix with the screw': torlojuz — 'with a screw' (instrumental) + finkatu — 'to fix'. The screwdriver clicks — the part stands
  • altzariak muntatu
    assemble furniture
    Literally 'to mount the furniture': altzariak — 'furniture' + muntatu — 'to mount' (a borrowing). An instruction, a thousand parts — but by evening the wardrobe stands
  • desmuntatu
    disassemble
    Literally 'un-mounted': des- reverses muntatu. A move is near — the furniture comes apart: ohea desmuntatu dute
  • bete
    fill
    The same word as 'fulfil' — context splits them: filling here is to the brim: a bucket, a tub, a mold. Ur ontzia bete dut — I filled it with water
  • zintaz itsatsi
    tape over
    Literally 'to glue with tape': zinta — 'tape' + -z + itsatsi — 'to glue'. A crack and a little hole — under the tape
  • urberritu
    rinse
    Literally 'to renew the water': ur — 'water' + berritu — 'to renew'. The soap is gone — you rinse: once, twice, until it squeaks
  • ohea egin
    make the bed
    Literally 'to do the bed': Basque does the bed the way it does sleep (lo egin). Sheet, blanket, pillow — and the room sighs with relief
  • argia itzali da
    the light went out
    Literally 'the light extinguished itself': itzali da — it went out on its own (compare argia itzali — to turn it off). Matches and flashlight — right here
  • txorrota tantaka dabil
    the tap is dripping
    Literally 'the tap goes dripping': tantaka — 'drop by drop' + dabil — 'goes about'. Drip-drip all night — sleep won't come
  • berogailuak ez du berotzen
    the radiator doesn't heat
    Literally «the heater doesn’t heat»: berogailu, heater, from berotu — to heat, plus -gailu «device». Winter is near — time to fix it
  • entxufeak ez du funtzionatzen
    the outlet doesn't work
    Literally 'the socket doesn't work': entxufea — 'socket and plug' (from Spanish enchufe) + funtzionatu — 'to work' (borrowed). The charger is silent
  • atea ez da ixten
    the door won't close
    Literally 'the door doesn't close itself': itxi → ixten tightens. The door resists — the hinge or the lock is at fault
  • bandak oliatu
    oil the hinges
    Literally «oil the hinges»: banda is a door hinge; oliatu, to oil, from «olioa» — oil. The squeak goes, the door sings
  • sarraila aldatu
    change the lock
    Literally 'to change the lock': sarraila — 'lock' + aldatu — 'to change' (the basics). The key is lost — the lock is new
  • bonbilla jarri
    screw in a bulb
    Literally 'to put the bulb': jarri — 'to put'. Counterclockwise — out, clockwise — in. The light returns
  • aulkia konpondu
    fix the chair
    Literally 'to fix the chair': konpondu — 'to repair'. The leg wobbles — glue and a screw. The chair is proud again
  • tantaka egin
    drip
    Literally 'to do dropwise': tanta — 'a drop' + -ka + egin. Dripping here is the tap and the rain off the roof alike. Ura tantaka erortzen da — the water falls in drops
  • zurruna
    stiff
    A native word: unbending — new shoes, a starched collar. Partner of biguna — 'soft'. About rules too: a stiff order
  • nagusia
    main
    From nagusi — 'chief, elder, owner': main here is first of all. Ate nagusia — the main entrance. Related to nagusia — 'the boss'
  • bizia
    alive
    From bizi — 'to live': alive here breathes and grows. Partner of hila — 'dead'. The tree is still alive — green on the branches
  • hila
    dead
    From hil — 'to die': about plants and beasts, calmly. Partner of bizia — 'alive'. Lore hila da — the flower has dried up
  • arriskutsua
    dangerous
    The same word as 'dangerously' — context splits them: dangerous here is a trait of a thing, a road. From arrisku — 'risk'. Partner of segurua — 'safe'
  • segurua
    safe
    A loan from Spanish seguro, openly admitted. Safe here is without fear: a street, a district, a lock. Partner of arriskutsua
  • zaratatsua
    noisy
    From zarata — 'noise' + -tsu: noisy here is neighbors, a street, a company. Partner of isila — 'quiet'. Thin walls — you hear it all
  • beldurgarria
    scary
    Literally 'fear-bringing': beldur — 'fear' + -garri 'bringing'. Scary here is a film, a basement, a story. Stronger at night
  • deserosoa
    uncomfortable
    Literally «not-comfortable»: des- plus eroso, comfortable. A chair, a bus seat. The pair to «erosoa» — comfortable
  • benetakoa
    real
    From benetan — 'in truth': real here is not a fake and not a game. Hau benetakoa da — this is real. Partner of faltsua — 'fake'
  • posiblea
    possible
    A loan from Spanish posible, openly admitted. Possible here is 'may come to pass': dena posiblea da — everything is possible. Partner of ezinezkoa
  • ezinezkoa
    impossible
    Literally 'not-can-able': ezin — 'can't' + -ezko. Impossible here is against the laws: two places at once. Partner of posiblea
  • beharrezkoa
    necessary
    Literally 'of the need': behar — 'need' + -rezko. Necessary here is without which nothing works: water, keys, passport
  • bakana
    rare
    A native word: scarce, precious — a flower, a coin, a guest. Partner of arrunta — 'common'. Rarity raises the price
  • goiztiarra
    early (ahead of time)
    From goiz — 'early, morning' + -tiar: early here is ahead of time: a guest, a train, a harvest. Partner of berantiarra — 'late'
  • berantiarra
    late (delayed)
    From berandu — 'late' + -tiar: late here is with delay: a train, a dinner, a spring. Partner of goiztiarra — 'early'
  • urruna
    faraway
    The same word as 'far' — context splits them: faraway here is a trait: a country, a mountain, relatives. Partner of gertua — 'close'
  • gertua
    close (adjective)
    The same word as «near» — the sense differs: here it describes something — a road, a shop, a friend. The pair to «urruna» — far
  • goikoa
    upper
    Literally 'the upper one': goi — 'top' + -ko. Upper here is a floor, a shelf, a tooth. Partner of behekoa — 'lower'. The lift hums
  • behekoa
    lower
    Literally 'the lower one': behe — 'bottom' + -ko. Lower here is a shelf, a drawer, a floor. Partner of goikoa — 'upper'. Bend down — it's there

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How it sounds in a sentence

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What is worth knowing about these words

etxea — house. Etxean — at home: the ending -(e)an, 'in', marks the place. The Basque surname Etxeberri — 'new house': houses grew into family names here.

etxebizitza — housing. Literally 'house-living': etxe + bizi. The bookish word from the listings; the concrete flat is pisua.

gela — room. A short word for every room: gela bikoitz — a room for two, the hotel-listing phrase.

sukaldea — kitchen. From sukalde, literally 'the fire's side': su + alde. Kitchen and cuisine in one: euskal sukaldaritza — Basque cuisine.

Test yourself

First by ear — the way you will meet the word in conversation. Click the speaker and pick the translation.

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Now the other way around: recall the spelling from the meaning. That is harder, and therefore more useful.

  1. How do you say “house” in Basque?

  2. How do you say “lift” in Basque?

  3. How do you say “door” in Basque?

  4. How do you say “laundry” in Basque?

  5. How do you say “contract” in Basque?

How to learn the set instead of just reading it

Room, key, water, electricity. You will need them on your first day in a rented flat.

A list is read in a minute and forgotten in a day. What works: hide the translation, try to recall, get it wrong — and come back to the same words tomorrow.

Frequently asked

How do you say “house” in Basque?

«etxea». Etxean — at home: the ending -(e)an, 'in', marks the place. The Basque surname Etxeberri — 'new house': houses grew into family names here. It is one of 271 words in the set “home and things” — the rest are in the table above.

How many household words do you need to start?

The whole set on this page is 271 words, but there is no need to start with all of it: the words you will need in the next few days are enough. Take them a few at a time — five to seven new ones per session.

Is there audio?

Yes, 271 words on this page can be played — click the speaker next to the word. The sound works on any phone, and nothing needs to be installed.

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