tracción total
/tɾaɡθjon total/from spelling rules
The English phrase all wheel drive is tracción total in Spanish.
tracción total refers to a vehicle system that provides power to all four wheels simultaneously.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of tracción (traction) and total (total/all), literally meaning 'total traction'.
Which one should you use?
While tracción total is the standard term for all-wheel drive, the more descriptive tracción a las cuatro ruedas is used specifically to say four-wheel drive.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the acronym AWD is used.
How do you pronounce it?
/tɾaɡθjon total/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, engaging a vehicle's all-wheel drive system is colloquially called poner la doble, which literally means 'putting on the double'.
- A vehicle with tracción total is frequently referred to simply as a 4×4 (cuatro por cuatro), where the technical ratio becomes the common name for the car itself.
- The word tracción shares a root with the English word 'tractor'. Both come from the Latin word for 'dragging' or 'pulling'.
Examples in context
- El nuevo SUV tiene tracción en las cuatro ruedas, lo que lo hace perfecto para conducción off-road.The new SUV has all wheel drive, making it perfect for off-road driving.
- ¿Viste la camioneta nueva de Juan? ¡Es una 4×4 increíble!Did you see Juan's new truck? It's an amazing all wheel drive vehicle!
- Este coche tiene tracción total.This car has all wheel drive.
- Busco un todoterreno con tracción total.I am looking for an off-road vehicle with all wheel drive.
- La tracción total es mejor para la nieve.All wheel drive is better for the snow.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are looking at cars at a dealership.
- MaríaMe gusta este SUV, pero ¿tiene tracción total?I like this SUV, but does it have all wheel drive?
- MateoSí, María, este modelo es de tracción total.Yes, María, this model is all wheel drive.
- MaríaEso es perfecto para los viajes a la montaña.That is perfect for trips to the mountains.
- MateoExacto, Mateo cree que es la mejor opción.Exactly, Mateo thinks it is the best option.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries total, tracción, CC BY-SA 4.0.
