# House and home in Esperanto: rooms, furniture, phrases

Source: https://esperantopedia.org/phrases/house-home/
Language: en
Updated: 2026-10-11

> A house is domo, a home hejmo, a room ĉambro: Esperanto words for rooms, furniture and parts of a house, with pronunciation and everyday phrases.

A house is ***domo***, a home is ***hejmo***, a room is ***ĉambro*** and an apartment is ***apartamento***. Many household words are built from a few parts: *kuir-* "cook" plus *-ej-* "place" gives *kuirejo* "kitchen", and *dormi* "to sleep" plus *ĉambro* gives *dormoĉambro* "bedroom". Pronunciation guides split words into syllables, with the stressed syllable in capitals.

## Kinds of houses and homes

| English | Esperanto | Pronunciation | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| house | *domo* | DO-mo | A building where people live, or work |
| small house, cottage | *dometo* | do-ME-to | *-et-* "small" |
| mansion, big building | *domego* | do-ME-go | *-eg-* "big"; ReVo: often with many flats or offices |
| residential building | *loĝdomo* | loĝ-DO-mo | *loĝi* "to live" + *domo* |
| apartment, flat | *apartamento* | a-par-ta-MEN-to | One of several dwellings in a house |
| dwelling | *loĝejo* | lo-ĜE-jo | Any place to live: flat, room or house |
| cabin, hut | *kabano* | ka-BA-no | Small and simply built |
| villa | *vilao* | vi-LA-o | An elegant country or summer house |
| home | *hejmo* | HEJ-mo | See the next section |

*Apartamento* is not in the original Fundamento word list: ReVo marks it as one of the Academy's Official Additions.

## Domo or hejmo: house and home

*Domo* is the building. *Hejmo* is the place where someone lives permanently, above all a family's home. Esperanto keeps apart what English calls "home" and "house": *Ni aĉetis novan domon.* "We bought a new house." *Mi ŝatas mian hejmon.* "I like my home."

| English | Esperanto | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| home (adjective), domestic | *hejma* | HEJ-ma |
| homesickness | *hejmsopiro* | hejm-so-PI-ro |
| at home | *hejme* | HEJ-me |
| (to) home | *hejmen* | HEJ-men |

*Hejme* tells where you are, *hejmen* where you are going: *Mi estas hejme.* "I am at home." *Mi iras hejmen.* "I am going home." The ending *-n* already shows direction (see [adverbs](https://esperantopedia.org/grammar/adverbs/) and the [accusative](https://esperantopedia.org/grammar/accusative/)). Older texts use *dome* and *domen* for the same thing, which ReVo labels archaic. To say "at someone's place" use *ĉe*: PMEG notes that *ĉe* often points to a person's home. *Mi loĝas ĉe miaj gepatroj.* "I live at my parents' home."

## Rooms

| English | Esperanto | Pronunciation | How it is built |
|---|---|---|---|
| room | *ĉambro* | ĈAM-bro | Any room separated by walls |
| kitchen | *kuirejo* | ku-i-RE-jo | *kuiri* "cook" + *-ej-* |
| bedroom | *dormoĉambro* | dor-mo-ĈAM-bro | *dormi* "sleep" + *ĉambro* |
| bathroom | *banĉambro* | ban-ĈAM-bro | A room for a bath or shower |
| toilet | *necesejo* | ne-ce-SE-jo | *necesa* "necessary" + *-ej-* |
| living room | *vivoĉambro* | vi-vo-ĈAM-bro | ReVo: where the family gathers |
| formal sitting room | *salono* | sa-LO-no | ReVo: an elegant room for guests |
| dining room | *manĝoĉambro* | man-ĝo-ĈAM-bro | *manĝi* "eat" + *ĉambro* |
| entrance hall | *antaŭĉambro* | an-taŭ-ĈAM-bro | Where coats are left |
| corridor | *koridoro* | ko-ri-DO-ro | Joins rooms on one floor |
| cellar, basement | *kelo* | KE-lo | Underground, often for supplies |
| attic | *subtegmento* | sub-teg-MEN-to | *sub* "under" + *tegmento* "roof" |
| balcony | *balkono* | bal-KO-no | |
| terrace | *teraso* | te-RA-so | |
| garden | *ĝardeno* | ĝar-DE-no | |
| garage | *garaĝo* | ga-RA-ĝo | |

*Necesejo* is the polite word: PMEG explains it as the place for a necessary act one prefers not to name directly. ReVo lists *klozeto* and *tualetejo* as other words for it. *Banejo* is a place for bathing, such as public baths.

## Parts of a house

| English | Esperanto | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| floor, storey | *etaĝo* | e-TA-ĝo |
| ground floor | *teretaĝo* | te-re-TA-ĝo |
| staircase | *ŝtuparo* | ŝtu-PA-ro |
| lift, elevator | *lifto* | LIF-to |
| door | *pordo* | POR-do |
| window | *fenestro* | fe-NES-tro |
| wall | *muro* | MU-ro |
| floor (of a room) | *planko* | PLAN-ko |
| ceiling | *plafono* | pla-FO-no |
| roof | *tegmento* | teg-MEN-to |
| entrance | *enirejo* | e-ni-RE-jo |
| key | *ŝlosilo* | ŝlo-SI-lo |

*Etaĝo* is a level of a building, *planko* the bottom of a room. ReVo warns that counting differs: in many European countries the *teretaĝo* counts as zero and the next level is *la unua etaĝo*, while elsewhere the ground floor is the first. So "the third floor" can mean two different levels. Ordinal numbers such as *tria* are explained in [numbers](https://esperantopedia.org/grammar/numbers/).

## Furniture and appliances

| English | Esperanto | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| furniture (one piece) | *meblo* | ME-blo |
| furniture (all of it) | *meblaro* | me-BLA-ro |
| bed | *lito* | LI-to |
| table | *tablo* | TA-blo |
| chair | *seĝo* | SE-ĝo |
| armchair | *brakseĝo*, *fotelo* | brak-SE-ĝo, fo-TE-lo |
| sofa | *sofo* | SO-fo |
| cupboard, wardrobe | *ŝranko* | ŜRAN-ko |
| bookcase | *libroŝranko* | li-bro-ŜRAN-ko |
| shelf | *breto* | BRE-to |
| desk | *skribtablo* | skrib-TA-blo |
| mirror | *spegulo* | spe-GU-lo |
| curtain | *kurteno* | kur-TE-no |
| lamp | *lampo* | LAM-po |
| clock | *horloĝo* | hor-LO-ĝo |

| English | Esperanto | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| refrigerator | *fridujo* | fri-DU-jo |
| oven | *bakforno* | bak-FOR-no |
| stove, cooker | *kuirforno*, *fornelo* | ku-ir-FOR-no, for-NE-lo |
| microwave oven | *mikroondilo* | mi-kro-on-DI-lo |
| washing machine | *lavmaŝino* | lav-ma-ŜI-no |
| vacuum cleaner | *polvosuĉilo* | pol-vo-su-ĈI-lo |
| television set | *televidilo* | te-le-vi-DI-lo |
| sink | *lavujo* | la-VU-jo |
| bathtub | *banujo* | ba-NU-jo |
| shower | *duŝo* | DU-ŝo |

Plain *forno* is broader: ReVo defines it as a masonry fire chamber for baking bread, melting metals or heating. Meals, plates and drinks are on the [food and drink](https://esperantopedia.org/phrases/food-drink/) page.

## How household words are built

| Word part | Meaning | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| *-ej-* | place for something | *kuirejo* kitchen, *loĝejo* dwelling, *manĝejo* canteen, *lavejo* a place for washing |
| *-il-* | tool, device | *ŝlosilo* key, *hejtilo* heater, *televidilo* television set |
| *-uj-* | container | *fridujo* refrigerator, *banujo* bathtub, *lavujo* sink |
| *-ar-* | a collection of | *meblaro* furniture, *vazaro* dishes, *manĝilaro* cutlery |
| *-eg-* | big | *domego* mansion, *pordego* main gate |
| *-et-* | small | *dometo* cottage, *tableto* small table |

PMEG describes *-ej-* as a place, room or building meant for something, *-uj-* as a container made to hold something, and *-il-* as an instrument or device for an action. So *kuirejo* is where you cook, while *fridujo* is a box that keeps food cold. ReVo adds that *frida* "cold" is still counted as a neologism, yet *fridujo* has entered everyday life. More patterns are on the pages for [suffixes](https://esperantopedia.org/grammar/suffixes/), [prefixes](https://esperantopedia.org/grammar/prefixes/) and [word building](https://esperantopedia.org/grammar/word-building/).

Rooms named with *ĉambro* put their purpose first: *atendoĉambro* "waiting room". ReVo writes a linking *-o-* in *dormoĉambro* but not in *banĉambro*.

## Verbs for life at home

| English | Esperanto | Pronunciation | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| to live, to reside | *loĝi* | LO-ĝi | *loĝanto* "resident" |
| to rent (as tenant) | *lui* | LU-i | *luprenanto* "tenant" |
| to rent out | *luigi* | lu-I-gi | *ludonanto* "landlord" |
| to furnish | *mebli* | ME-bli | *meblita* "furnished" |
| to cook | *kuiri* | ku-I-ri | |
| to wash | *lavi* | LA-vi | *lavmaŝino* |
| to clean | *purigi* | pu-RI-gi | |
| to put in order, tidy | *ordigi* | or-DI-gi | |
| to lock | *ŝlosi* | ŜLO-si | *ŝlosilo* |

ReVo defines *lui* as getting something for a fixed time against payment, and *luigi* as giving it. The price is *luprezo* "rent". *Loĝi* also means to stay as a guest: *loĝi en hotelo* "to stay in a hotel".

## Useful phrases at home

### Saying where you live

| Esperanto | English |
|---|---|
| *Kie vi loĝas?* | Where do you live? |
| *Mi loĝas en apartamento en la tria etaĝo.* | I live in an apartment on the third floor. |
| *Ĉu vi loĝas en domo aŭ en apartamento?* | Do you live in a house or in an apartment? |
| *Mi loĝas en dometo apud la maro.* | I live in a small house by the sea. |
| *Kiom da ĉambroj havas via loĝejo?* | How many rooms does your home have? |
| *Nia loĝejo havas tri ĉambrojn kaj malgrandan kuirejon.* | Our flat has three rooms and a small kitchen. |

Both *en la tria etaĝo* and *sur la tria etaĝo* are used, and the preposition choice is covered in [prepositions](https://esperantopedia.org/grammar/prepositions/).

### Welcoming and asking

| Esperanto | English |
|---|---|
| *Bonvenon al mia hejmo!* | Welcome to my home! |
| *Envenu kaj sidiĝu, bonvolu.* | Please come in and sit down. |
| *Sentu vin hejme!* | Make yourself at home! |
| *Kie estas la necesejo?* | Where is the toilet? |
| *Ĉu mi rajtas uzi vian banĉambron?* | May I use your bathroom? |
| *Bonvolu ŝalti la lumon.* | Please turn on the light. |

### Describing a home

| Esperanto | English |
|---|---|
| *La kuirejo estas malgranda, sed hela.* | The kitchen is small but bright. |
| *La dormoĉambro estas apud la banĉambro.* | The bedroom is next to the bathroom. |
| *La ĝardeno estas malantaŭ la domo.* | The garden is behind the house. |

### Renting and chores

| Esperanto | English |
|---|---|
| *Mi serĉas apartamenton por lui.* | I am looking for an apartment to rent. |
| *Ni luas malgrandan loĝejon en la centro.* | We rent a small flat in the centre. |
| *Kiom kostas lui ĉi tiun loĝejon?* | How much does it cost to rent this flat? |
| *Ĉu la apartamento estas meblita?* | Is the apartment furnished? |
| *Hodiaŭ mi purigas la kuirejon kaj ordigas la ĉambron.* | Today I clean the kitchen and tidy the room. |

Words for relatives are on the [family](https://esperantopedia.org/phrases/family/) page.

## Common questions

### How do you say "house" in Esperanto?

*Domo*. A small house is *dometo*, a big one *domego*, and an apartment building is *loĝdomo*. The plural is *domoj*.

### What is the difference between domo and hejmo?

*Domo* is a building, *hejmo* is the place where a person or family lives. "Welcome to my home" is *Bonvenon al mia hejmo*, "a new house" is *nova domo*.

### How do you say "rooms" and "bathroom" in Esperanto?

"Room" is *ĉambro*, plural *ĉambroj*. A bathroom is *banĉambro*; the toilet is *necesejo*, also called *klozeto* or *tualetejo*.

### How do you say "I am going home"?

*Mi iras hejmen.* The ending *-n* on *hejme* "at home" shows direction.

## Sources

- [ReVo: domo, dometo, domego, loĝdomo](https://reta-vortaro.de/revo/art/dom.html), [hejmo, hejme, hejmen, hejmeca, hejmsopiro](https://reta-vortaro.de/revo/art/hejm.html)
- [ReVo: loĝi, loĝejo, loĝanto](https://reta-vortaro.de/revo/art/logx.html), [apartamento](https://reta-vortaro.de/revo/art/aparta.html), [vilao](https://reta-vortaro.de/revo/art/vila.html), [kabano](https://reta-vortaro.de/revo/art/kaban.html)
- [ReVo: ĉambro and compounds](https://reta-vortaro.de/revo/art/cxambr.html), [kuirejo, kuiri, kuirilo, kuirforno](https://reta-vortaro.de/revo/art/kuir.html), [necesejo](https://reta-vortaro.de/revo/art/neces.html), [salono](https://reta-vortaro.de/revo/art/salon.html), [koridoro](https://reta-vortaro.de/revo/art/korido.html), [kelo](https://reta-vortaro.de/revo/art/kel.html)
- [ReVo: subtegmento, tegmento](https://reta-vortaro.de/revo/art/tegmen.html), [balkono](https://reta-vortaro.de/revo/art/balkon.html), [teraso](https://reta-vortaro.de/revo/art/teras.html), [ĝardeno](https://reta-vortaro.de/revo/art/gxarde.html), [garaĝo](https://reta-vortaro.de/revo/art/garagx.html), [etaĝo, teretaĝo](https://reta-vortaro.de/revo/art/etagx.html)
- [ReVo: ŝtuparo](https://reta-vortaro.de/revo/art/sxtup.html), [pordo](https://reta-vortaro.de/revo/art/pord.html), [fenestro](https://reta-vortaro.de/revo/art/fenest.html), [muro](https://reta-vortaro.de/revo/art/mur.html), [planko](https://reta-vortaro.de/revo/art/plank.html), [plafono](https://reta-vortaro.de/revo/art/plafon.html), [ŝlosilo](https://reta-vortaro.de/revo/art/sxlos.html)
- [ReVo: meblo, meblaro, mebli](https://reta-vortaro.de/revo/art/mebl.html), [brakseĝo](https://reta-vortaro.de/revo/art/segx.html), [fotelo](https://reta-vortaro.de/revo/art/fotel.html), [fridujo](https://reta-vortaro.de/revo/art/frid.html), [forno](https://reta-vortaro.de/revo/art/forn.html), [lavmaŝino](https://reta-vortaro.de/revo/art/masxin.html), [televidilo](https://reta-vortaro.de/revo/art/televid.html), [lui, luigi, luprezo](https://reta-vortaro.de/revo/art/lu.html)
- [PMEG: EJ](https://bertilow.com/pmeg/vortfarado/afiksoj/sufiksoj/ej.html), [IL](https://bertilow.com/pmeg/vortfarado/afiksoj/sufiksoj/il.html), [UJ](https://bertilow.com/pmeg/vortfarado/afiksoj/sufiksoj/uj.html), [AR](https://bertilow.com/pmeg/vortfarado/afiksoj/sufiksoj/ar.html), [EG](https://bertilow.com/pmeg/vortfarado/afiksoj/sufiksoj/eg.html), [ET](https://bertilow.com/pmeg/vortfarado/afiksoj/sufiksoj/et.html)
- [Tatoeba](https://tatoeba.org/en/sentences/show/1146615) (CC BY 2.0 FR), used only to check usage of floors: #1146615 *sur la kvina etaĝo*, [#636888](https://tatoeba.org/en/sentences/show/636888) *en la kvina etaĝo*
- [PMEG: N por direkto](https://bertilow.com/pmeg/gramatiko/rolmontriloj/n/direkto.html), [Ĉe](https://bertilow.com/pmeg/gramatiko/rolmontriloj/rolvortetoj/lokaj_rolvortetoj/che.html)