What does "clase de comodidades" mean?

Question

What does this mean:

¿Que clase de comodidades desea?

What kind of answer would this question have when applied to apartments/houses? Is it like "primera clase" or like "Deseo electrodomésticos y aire acondicionado?"

Same goes for:

¿Que clase de muebles necesita?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Because "apartmentments/houses" is mentioned, it is clear that the question is about modern conveniences, just as you thought - A/C, dishwasher, etc:

comodidad.

(Del lat. commod?tas, -?tis).

1. f. Cualidad de cómodo.

2. f. Cosa necesaria para vivir a gusto y con descanso. U. m. en pl. La casa tiene muchas comodidades.

3. f. Ventaja, oportunidad.

4. f. Utilidad, interés.

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You have correctly considered "first class" because of the the word "clase," because this choice of words in this sentence can be confusing. It may be a regional thing, but I would use "tipo" in place of "clase" in this case to avoid confusion.

In the case of "¿Que clase de muebles necesita?" I would again use the word "tipo" or "estilo." Here you are being asked if you need contemporary, antique, Louie IIV, queen anne, victorian, etc type of furniture.

In most cases, "primera clase" just means "first class," such as airplane/bus seating, etc.

thanks! also, how come the question was "clase" and it wasn't plural? when asking for "comodidades," wouldn't there be multiple things? - lindaestudiante, Jul 28, 2012

Clase is being used to mean type or kind. What kind of? In Spanish we use it in the singular. In English you can use both: "What type or types of amenities would you like?" - francobollo, Jul 28, 2012

Oh ok. Thank you! - lindaestudiante, Jul 29, 2012

"Clase" can be used to mean "kind," but only in specific cases, ie: "¿Qué clase de coche tienes?" This is not asking about what brand or model but what classification of car such as race car, passenger car, ambulance, etc. - 005faa61, Jul 29, 2012

"Clase" is singular here because it is one group of things. It is not an adjective - 005faa61, Jul 29, 2012

Answer 2

Possible English translation: What kinds/types/sorts of comforts/conveniences do you like?

Para mí, una comodidad o conveniencia es tener el tiempo para leer un buen libro.

Y el tiempo y energía para preparar y disfrutar de una buena comida con amigos y familia.

For me a comfort or convenience is to have the time to read a good book.

And the time and energy to prepare and enjoy a good meal with friends and family.

Answer 3

From our SD dictionary -- comodidad ? ? comfort

comodidad
feminine noun
1. comfort (estado, cualidad); convenience (conveniencia)

para su comodidad -> for your convenience<br>
comodidades -> comforts 

I agree with Julian in your specific context of apartment/house modern day conveniences like indoor plumber, air conditioning, washers and dryers are good examples of "comodidad".

This word in Spanish can also convey state of comfort (estado) or quality of comfort (cualidad).

Answer 4

In the U.S. we would probably refer to them as "amenities."