In Spanish, can the term "jacuzzi" be interchangeable with the term "spa"?
We have a translation that has been done for us and the word jacuzzi has been used for the word "spa" in English. I do believe the "spa" is similar to a hot but. Here is the translation:
SOURCE: Spa is open 24 hours. TRANSLATION: El jacuzzi está abierto las 24 horas.
4 Answers
As you know, Jacuzzi is a brand name, but because it was really the first big name in hot tubs, the brand name became converted to a generic name as well. This is similar to Skilsaw being a brand name converted to a generic name for circular saw.
The same thing happens in Spanish. And indeed, jacuzzi (no capitals) is an official entry on the RAE-Diccionario de la Real Academia Española, for
bañera para hidromasaje
So your translation is correct!
I would not use the word jucuzzi in place of Spa in that sence...if you are talking about a spa (a place that might have jucuzzi's and do massages etc) I would say 'spa' I have heard this word in spanish speaking countries and seen it written on buildings. Only use jucuzzi if you are refering to the hot tubs themselves.
The term spa (originally a place in Belgium: Spa) was not in use 30 years ago in Spain. We had (and still have) the term "balneario", which is the only one that can be found in many dictionaries, and it is a medicinal or mineral spring. Jacuzzi is a proprietary name name for a bath with water jets.
Jacuzzi is a brand name.
I would use "balneario" as it refers to any public bath with or without mineral water.
