What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
caliche
Example
The construction workers dug through the caliche to lay the foundation. [caliche: noun]
Example
The caliche soil in this area is not suitable for farming. [caliche: adjective]
adobe
Example
The walls of the house were made of adobe bricks. [adobe: noun]
Example
They decided to build an adobe house using traditional methods. [adobe: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Adobe is more commonly used than caliche in everyday language, especially in the context of construction and architecture. Caliche is more specific and less commonly encountered outside of certain regions or industries.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between caliche and adobe?
Both caliche and adobe are generally informal terms, commonly used in casual conversations or specialized fields related to construction and geology.