techo

Techo is a Spanish noun meaning roof or ceiling, referring to the upper enclosing surface of a building. It is also used figuratively to denote upper limits, such as techo de gasto (spending ceiling) or el techo de cristal (glass ceiling).

Etymology: The word comes from Latin tectum, meaning roof or covering, and entered Spanish through Old Spanish. It has cognates in other Romance languages that reflect the same root.

Uses: In architecture, techo denotes the roof structure, including phrases like techo a dos aguas (a pitched roof) or techo plano (flat roof). It can also describe roofing materials, for example techo de tejas (tile roof) or techo metálico (metal roof).

TECHO: TECHO is an international nonprofit organization focused on housing and poverty alleviation in Latin America and the Caribbean. It originated in Chile during the late 1990s when university students began organizing to address informal settlements. The organization mobilizes volunteers to build emergency housing, carries out community development projects, and advocates for long‑term housing rights. TECHO operates through national and local chapters, relying on donations, partnerships with communities, and collaboration with other NGOs to implement projects and campaigns.