Transportation in Spanish
Collection of Spanish vocabulary related to transportation, including modes of transport, phrases, and expressions.
llevar el timón
take the helm
The Spanish phrase 'llevar el timón' translates to 'take the helm' in English. This is a metaphorical idiom often used in the context of leadership or control. In the literal sense, 'llevar' means 'to take' or 'to carry', and 'timón' refers to 'helm' or a 'steering wheel', specifically that of a ship. Metaphorically and idiomatically, someone taking the helm is someone taking control or leadership, as one would when steering a vessel.
Example sentences with llevar el timón →llevar puesto el cinturón de seguridad
wear the seat belt
The Spanish phrase 'llevar puesto el cinturón de seguridad' translates to 'wear the seat belt' in English. It is used as a reminder or command used primarily in the context of vehicle safety. The phrase directly translates to 'carry worn the safety belt'. Although the direct translation may not make perfect sense in English due to differences in sentence structure, the understood meaning is that one should always be wearing their seat belt when inside a moving vehicle for safety purposes.
Example sentences with llevar puesto el cinturón de seguridad →llevar una moto
carry a motorcycle
'Llevar una moto' in Spanish translates to 'carry a motorcycle' in English. 'Llevar' means 'to carry' or 'to take', while 'una moto' stands for 'a motorcycle'. It is a phrase often used to describe the action of transporting a motorcycle from one place to another, either physically or using a vehicle or other means. This translation may vary depending on the context in which it is used.
Example sentences with llevar una moto →luna trasera
rear moon
The Spanish term 'luna trasera' translates into 'rear moon' in English. However, it's usually not used to refer to an actual moon. In the context of automobiles, 'luna trasera' refers to the rear window or back glass of a car. This term is widely used in Spain and other Spanish speaking countries as a metaphorical term for car parts. So when you hear 'luna trasera', think of it as the 'rear window' or 'back glass' of a car rather than a 'rear moon'.
Example sentences with luna trasera →luz antiniebla
anti-white light
The Spanish term 'luz antiniebla' does not translate to 'anti-white light' in English. Instead, it translates to 'fog light'. This is an additional light installed in motor vehicles to enhance visibility during foggy conditions. The main purpose of these lights is to illuminate the road directly in front of the vehicle in poor visibility situations. They are strategically angled and positioned lower than the main headlights to limit the reflection and glare from the fog, snow, or rain and to reduce the risk of temporarily blinding other drivers.
Example sentences with luz antiniebla →luz corta
short light
'Luz corta' is a Spanish term directly translating to 'short light' in English. However, in a practical context, it is usually used within the field of automotive vocabulary. It refers to the configuration of a vehicle's headlight beam, being 'short' or 'low', as opposed to 'luz larga' or long (high-beam) light. This is a term you would typically encounter while talking about driving or car-related matters.
Example sentences with luz corta →luz de emergencia
emergency light
The term 'luz de emergencia' translates to 'emergency light' in English. An emergency light is a battery-backed lighting device that switches on automatically when a building experiences a power outage. These are standard in new commercial and high occupancy residential buildings, such as college dormitories. This is to ensure that exits are properly illuminated and visible at all times, making it easy for people to evacuate in case of emergencies.
Example sentences with luz de emergencia →luz de freno
brakelight
The Spanish term 'luz de freno' translates to 'brakelight' in English. It is composed of two words, 'luz', which means light, and 'freno', which means brake. Therefore, 'luz de freno' can be understood as the 'light of brake' in direct translation. It is a term used in the automotive industry to refer to the red light at the back of a vehicle that illuminates when the driver applies the brake, signaling other drivers that the vehicle is slowing down or stopping.
Example sentences with luz de freno →luz de posición
position light
The Spanish phrase 'luz de posición' translates to 'position light' in English. In automotive terms, it refers to a small, usually white or red, light on a vehicle that helps to indicate its position and width. These lights are generally visible from both front and rear, and are always on when a vehicle is in operation, irrespective of whether it is day or night. They are typically less bright than headlights and are usually placed at the corners of a vehicle. The purpose of these position lights is to make the vehicle visible to other drivers and pedestrians, thereby increasing safety.
Example sentences with luz de posición →marinero
sailor
The word 'marinero' is a Spanish noun that translates to 'sailor' in English. It is typically used to refer to someone who works on board a sea vessel. 'Marinero' comes from the Spanish word 'mar', which means 'sea', emphasizing the connection of the sailor to the sea. This term can be used in various contexts, whether literal, as in the occupation, or metaphorical, as in someone who likes to navigate through different situations.
Example sentences with marinero →marítimo
Maritime
The Spanish word 'marítimo' is translated into English as 'maritime'. The term 'maritime' is used in various fields such as geography, law, and business. In geography, it refers to anything related to the sea. In terms of law, 'maritime' pertains to laws that govern seafaring trade and business. Meanwhile in commerce, it may be used to describe a type of climate that is influenced by a body of water, particularly the sea. Hence, 'marítimo' is a versatile term in Spanish that has multiple uses in the English language.
Example sentences with marítimo →matricular un vehículo
to register a vehicle
The term 'matricular un vehículo' in Spanish translates to 'register a vehicle' in English. This phrase refers to the official process of adding a vehicle to the relevant authorities' records in your country, state, or region. After purchasing a new or used vehicle, one needs to register it under their name. This step ensures legal ownership, allowing the vehicle to be driven publicly. Registration typically involves providing certain details about the vehicle, such as its make, model, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), and proof of automobile insurance.
Example sentences with matricular un vehículo →mecánico
mechanical
The Spanish word 'mecánico' translates to 'mechanical' in English. It can be used in different contexts, but primarily refers to something relating to machinery or engines. For instance, in the case of a 'mecánico de automóviles', it would mean 'car mechanic', indicating a person who fixes cars. Similarly, it could also indicate a scientific concept like 'energía mecánica', translating to 'mechanical energy'. It is therefore important to understand the context in which 'mecánico' is being used.
Example sentences with mecánico →meter segunda
Second.
'Meter segunda' is a phrase in Spanish that is often used in the context of driving. It refers to the action of shifting into second gear. Although the literal translation of 'meter' is 'put' and 'segunda' is 'second', the phrase does not imply 'put second' in English. It's specific to the action of changing gears in a vehicle.
Example sentences with meter segunda →meter tercera
Third.
The phrase 'meter tercera' is not directly translated as 'third' in English. It's an idiomatic expression in Spanish, specifically used in the context of driving a vehicle. It metaphorically means 'to step it up' or 'to take it to the next level' by referring to shifting to the third gear in driving. Just like how shifting to a higher gear in driving accelerates the speed, 'meter tercera' implies increasing pace, intensity or making more effort in a situation. Though 'tercera' means 'third', the whole expression 'meter tercera' holds a different implicit meaning.
Example sentences with meter tercera →metro
metro
The Spanish word 'metro' translates directly into English as 'metro'. It is commonly used in reference to a system of public transportation that operates in a major city, particularly underground, such as subways or rapid transit systems. This word is very common in urban areas where there is a heavy reliance on public transportation.
Example sentences with metro →mirar un mapa
look at a map
The Spanish phrase 'mirar un mapa' translates to 'look at a map' in English. It is a common phrase used in travel or navigation situations suggesting someone to view or consult a map for direction. The verb 'mirar' means 'to look', 'un' is an indefinite article equating to 'a' and 'mapa' means 'map'. Thus when you hear or see the phrase 'mirar un mapa', you are being advised to look at a map.
Example sentences with mirar un mapa →mirar un plano de metro
look at a metro plan
The Spanish phrase 'mirar un plano de metro' can be translated into English as 'to look at a metro plan'. This phrase gives the action of viewing or examining a layout or map of an underground, subway, or metro railway system to understand the different lines, stops, and connections. It is typically used in travel contexts when navigating around a city or place.
Example sentences with mirar un plano de metro →modificar el código de circulación
modify the highway code
The Spanish phrase 'modificar el código de circulación' translates to 'modify the highway code' in English. In this context, 'modificar' means to change or alter, 'el código' refers to a system of rules or principles, and 'de circulación' pertains to traffic or movement of vehicles. So in essence, it could refer to changing or revising the set of rules and regulations that govern the movement of vehicles on highways or roads.
Example sentences with modificar el código de circulación →modificar el código de circulación de tráfico
modify the traffic code
The Spanish phrase 'modificar el código de circulación de tráfico' translates to 'modify the traffic code' in English. It's often used in regulatory contexts, for instance when discussing changes to driving rules and regulations, or adjustments to ways that cars and other vehicles are expected to navigate on roads and highways. Modificar means modify, el código refers to the code, de circulación means of circulation and de tráfico means traffic.
Example sentences with modificar el código de circulación de tráfico →modificar las normas (de circulación)
to change the (traffic) rules
The Spanish phrase 'modificar las normas (de circulación)' translates to 'to change the (traffic) rules' in English. This phrase is typically used when referring to changes being made to regulations or standards in regards to the operation and movement of vehicles within a specific area or region. It can also be used in a broader context to talk about making changes to any set of established norms or rules.
Example sentences with modificar las normas (de circulación) →modificar las normas de tráfico
to change traffic regulations
The Spanish phrase 'modificar las normas de tráfico' translates to 'change traffic regulations' in English. This action-oriented phrase can be used when discussing the alteration or amendments of rules and regulations guiding traffic system in a place. This could encompass any changes to traffic laws, rules for vehicles, pedestrian guidelines, or traffic protocols that are intended to ensure roads are safer, and traffic is well-regulated and managed efficiently.
Example sentences with modificar las normas de tráfico →monovolumen
minivan
The Spanish word 'monovolumen' translates to 'minivan' in English. It's often used to refer to vehicle style that is prioritized for passenger space and comfort, often with 3 rows of seats. Minivans are typically used by families for their practicality, versatility, and space capabilities. You may also hear it referred to as a 'people carrier' or 'MPV (multi-purpose vehicle)' in other regions.
Example sentences with monovolumen →montar en bicicleta
bike ride
The Spanish phrase 'montar en bicicleta' translates to 'bike ride' in English. It is often used when referring to the activity of riding a bicycle for leisure, exercise, or transportation. In this phrase, 'montar' means 'to ride', 'en' means 'in', and 'bicicleta' signifies 'bicycle'. Therefore, when combined, the phrase means 'to ride a bicycle' or simply a 'bike ride' in English.
montar en moto
riding motorcycle
The Spanish phrase 'montar en moto' translates to 'riding a motorcycle' in English. This phrase is used to describe the action of operating or being a passenger on a motorcycle, similar to how it would be described in English. It is composed of the verb 'montar', which means to 'mount' or 'ride', followed by 'en', which means 'on', and 'moto', which means 'motorcycle'. Collectively, the phrase captures the experience of freedom and thrill usually associated with riding a motorcycle.
Example sentences with montar en moto →montar(se) en un coche
riding in a car
The Spanish phrase 'montar(se) en un coche' is translated in English as 'riding in a car'. The action referred to by this phrase involves getting into a vehicle, such as a car, for the purpose of traveling from one place to another. It is commonly used in daily conversation and implies that the person is a passenger in the car and not the driver.
Example sentences with montar(se) en un coche →montar(se) en una bicicleta
riding on a bicycle
The Spanish phrase 'montar(se) en una bicicleta' translates to 'riding on a bicycle' in English. This can refer to the act of getting onto a bicycle to start a ride or the entire process from start to finish, which includes balancing, pedaling, steering, and stopping. It is a form of transport, exercise, or recreational activity.
Example sentences with montar(se) en una bicicleta →montar(se) en una moto
riding on a motorcycle
The Spanish phrase 'montar(se) en una moto' translates to 'riding on a motorcycle' in English. This phrase is used when referring to the action of being on a motorcycle, whether it's moving or stationary. The verb 'montar' is used in many Spanish phrases to signify the action of riding or being on top of something. Hence, the phrase 'montar(se) en una moto' can be translated word by word as 'mount oneself on a motorcycle', but in common English we would simply say 'riding on a motorcycle'. Referring to this phrase will help you describe the mode of transportation in Spanish-speaking countries.
Example sentences with montar(se) en una moto →moto
motorcycle
A motorcycle, also known as a motorbike, is a two or three-wheeled motor vehicle. They are most commonly used for commuting, long distance travel, and sport racing.
Example sentences with moto →motor
motor
The Spanish word 'motor' translates to 'motor' in English. It commonly refers to a machine, especially one powered by electricity or internal combustion, that supplies motive power for a vehicle or for some other device with moving parts. It is widely used in various fields like automotive, mechanical, electrical, and many more. Just like in English, the word can also be used metaphorically in Spanish to describe a driving force or influence.
Example sentences with motor →