1. Stove: This is the most common meaning of "estufa" in modern Spanish. It refers to a kitchen stove used for cooking, similar to "stove" in English.
2. Greenhouse: In some Spanish-speaking regions, "estufa" can also mean "greenhouse," a structure used for cultivating plants, especially in colder climates.
3. Sauna: In some Latin American countries, "estufa" can be used to refer to a sauna, a heated room used for relaxation and health benefits.
To understand the specific meaning of "estufa" in a given context, you need to consider the surrounding words and the overall situation. For example:
* "Voy a encender la estufa para cocinar la cena." This sentence means "I'm going to turn on the stove to cook dinner" and clearly refers to a kitchen stove.
* "Los tomates se cultivan en una estufa." This sentence means "The tomatoes are grown in a greenhouse" and refers to a structure for growing plants.
If you're unsure about the meaning of "estufa" in a particular instance, it's best to ask for clarification or consult a dictionary.