¿Qué significa ".....en el cuarto de desahogo....?

Question

When I translate "cuarto de desahogo" I get "pantry" or room of relief. In the book, the books are talking in this room, so I don't think it's the pantry or a room of relief. Could it be the den or family room? You guys always have the right answer!!

Ahhh ... so the boys, not the books, are talking in this room. I see now! - waltico, May 30, 2010

Answer 1

If cuarto de desahogo is a lumber room (as per qfreed's research), and if a lumber room is a room used to store unused furniture (as per the link supplied by qfreed), then, it would seem to me that a cuarto de desahogo is a storage room!

¿No es lógico?

Perhaps "desahogar" in this context is being used as the opposite of "ahogar" in the sense of "to choke". In order to "un-choke", that is "un-clutter", the rest of the house, put the excess stuff into the storage room. My conclusion:

cuarto de desahogo = storage room

You are absolutely right! I looked on line and found several houses for sale. The ad was listed in several languages including Spanish and English. The English ad showed a storage room and the spanish ad called it "cuarto de desahogo. Thank you. - Nilda-Ballardo, May 30, 2010

You're welcome. I take it that this means your accepting my answer ... and voting me up!! :) - waltico, May 31, 2010

Answer 2

as waltico pointed out, un cuarto de desahogo is a place where you can store things like bicycles, tools, suitcases and other stuff because you don´t have enough space in your apartment or hotel room.

It´s also known as baulera in some countries.

Answer 3

Maybe they are refering to the bathroom?

jejeje, this is of course also possible - 00494d19, May 30, 2010

That thought came to mind, but these young boys come in the other boys house and they are all talking in this certain room, so I rule out the bathroom. - Nilda-Ballardo, May 30, 2010

Answer 4

three dictionaries and some sites translate it is a lumber room. What is a lumber room?

explanation of lumber room

Answer 5

I saw an ad for the purchase of a house (in Puerto Rico) and they say it includes 'un cuarto de desahogo'. Must be the sitting room or such.

Answer 6

HI Nilda, this is unusual, so we can only guess, yes, sounds right to me.

desahogarse is to relax or feel relief

I appreciate your assistance. - Nilda-Ballardo, May 30, 2010

Answer 7

Desahogo can mean "comfort" so con desahogo can mean comfortably off. Could this be some sort of luxurious resting area?

The boy in the story lives in an old house with his mother and sister. The paint on the walls was peeling so luxurious it out! Resting areas sounds like a family room or den. You think?? Thank you for your help. - Nilda-Ballardo, May 30, 2010