janela vs fenestra
Portuguese word comparison
Listen to janela
Listen to fenestra
| janela | fenestra |
|---|---|
/ja-NE-la/ noun | /feh-NEHS-trah/ noun |
| window; an opening in a wall or structure that lets in light, air, and a view outside | an archaic or literary word for a window |
How they differ
Fenestra is a learned, old-fashioned term, while janela is the normal everyday word. In modern Portuguese, fenestra sounds literary, technical, or humorous rather than neutral.
When to use each
When to use janela: Use janela in ordinary speech, writing, and any modern context.
When to use fenestra: Use fenestra only when you want an archaic, poetic, or scholarly effect.
Side-by-side examples
- A janela do quarto estava aberta.
(The bedroom window was open.) - A fenestra da torre deixava entrar uma luz fraca.
(The tower window let in a faint light.)
Register & nuance: Janela is neutral and current; fenestra is rare, archaic, and restricted to literary or specialized use.