la escalera
La escalera means "the ladder" (and it can also mean "the staircase," depending on context). In DIY talk, it often refers to something you climb to reach higher areas.
Common Phrases
- subir por la escalera — to climb up the ladder
- poner la escalera contra la pared — to place the ladder against the wall
Example
La escalera es alta, asi que sube despacio.
The ladder is tall, so go up slowly.
Common Mistake
Mixing meaning: la escalera can be a ladder or stairs, so avoid assuming it always means stairs; in DIY context, la escalera is often the ladder, not las escaleras (stairs).
firme
Firme means "firm," "steady," or "secure." It describes something that does not wobble, move, or feel loose.
Common Phrases
- estar firme — to be steady/secure
- quedar firme — to end up firmly in place
Example
El estante quedo firme despues de apretar los tornillos.
The shelf ended up firm after tightening the screws.
Common Mistake
Confusing spelling or meaning: the correct word is firme, not firmo; and it means "steady/firm," not "signed."
el techo
El techo means "the ceiling" (or "the roof" in some contexts). In home repairs, it often refers to the interior surface where you might see stains, cracks, or peeling paint.
Common Phrases
- una mancha en el techo — a stain on the ceiling
- arreglar el techo — to fix the ceiling/roof
Example
Hay una mancha de agua en el techo del bano.
There is a water stain on the bathroom ceiling.
Common Mistake
Using the wrong word for ceiling: for an indoor ceiling, use el techo, not el cielo (the sky).
la pared
La pared means "the wall." It is the vertical surface where you might drill, paint, or notice cracks.
Common Phrases
- una grieta en la pared — a crack in the wall
- perforar la pared — to drill the wall
Example
No golpees la pared cuando mueves el mueble.
Do not hit the wall when you move the furniture.
Common Mistake
Mixing similar words: la pared is the wall, not el suelo (the floor) or el techo (the ceiling).
la pintura
La pintura means "the paint." It can refer to the material you apply, and sometimes to a painting or artwork (context helps).
Common Phrases
- pintura nueva — new paint
- olor a pintura — paint smell
Example
La pintura blanca cubre mejor con dos capas.
White paint covers better with two coats.
Common Mistake
Confusing verb and noun: la pintura is the noun (paint), while pintar is the verb; avoid la pintar.
la cinta
La cinta means "the tape" (for example, masking tape or packing tape). In painting, it is what you use to protect edges and make clean lines.
Common Phrases
- cinta de pintor — painter's tape
- poner cinta — to put tape on
Example
Pon cinta en el borde para una linea recta.
Put tape on the edge for a straight line.
Common Mistake
Using the wrong word: in this context, tape is la cinta, not la cuerda (rope) or la cadena (chain).
el martillo
El martillo means "the hammer." It is a basic tool for nails, small adjustments, and simple repairs.
Common Phrases
- dar martillazos — to hammer (to hit with a hammer)
- clavar un clavo con el martillo — to hammer in a nail with the hammer
Example
Necesito el martillo para clavar este clavo.
I need the hammer to hammer in this nail.
Common Mistake
Gender/article mismatch: it is el martillo, not la martillo.
la broca
La broca means "the drill bit." It is the removable tip that actually cuts into wood, metal, or a wall.
Common Phrases
- cambiar la broca — to change the drill bit
- una broca para pared — a drill bit for walls/masonry
Example
La broca esta gastada y no corta bien.
The drill bit is worn out and does not cut well.
Common Mistake
Confusing the tool vs. the part: the bit is la broca, not el taladro (the drill).